Why development of a centralized digital public infrastructure is critical — NIGCOMSAT CEO
The Managing Director/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited, Jane Egerton-Idehen has harped on the importance of the development of Nigeria’s Digital public infrastructure (DPI).
In a post on her Social media page, the NIGCOMSAT Director enumerated the benefits of a centralised DPI to Nigeria’s economy.
According to her, “In a world that’s rapidly evolving into the digital age, the concept of a centralised Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has never been more pertinent. As I perused the White Paper presented by the Honourable Minister, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, discussing the need for a DPI, a sense of hope and optimism welled up within me. While the idea of a centralized platform for government services is not entirely new, the intentional focus on its implementation is what makes this proposal so promising.
“DPI, or Digital Public Infrastructure, represents a comprehensive digital network designed to enable governments to deliver economic opportunities and essential social services efficiently and securely to all residents. Picture a scenario where you, as a citizen, can log into a government platform and gain instant access to a plethora of government services. Whether it’s checking your tax records, applying for a driver’s license, availing welfare facilities, obtaining a government ID, exploring government job opportunities, or accessing various tax and safety services, the list is virtually endless.
“What’s even more intriguing is that this is not a distant, futuristic vision. In some countries, like Ireland, it’s already a common practice for citizens to log into a single government account and access a wide array of government services. The proposal in the White Paper takes this a step further, advocating for a centralized platform – one website to remember.”
Speaking further, she highlighted that centralised platforms are not the only way forward.
Jane explained that decentralised alternatives can coexist and offer citizens multiple options for accessing services.
“A prime example could be the choice of various government channels for applying for a driver’s license. The pros and cons of centralization and decentralization are thoughtfully explored in the White Paper, offering a balanced perspective,” she said.
She added that the the true strategic value of DPI lies in its potential to enhance financial inclusion, empower citizens socially, and drive economic growth.
“However, it’s imperative to recognise that implementing DPI is a complex, long-term endeavor. The good news is that Nigeria has already embarked on this journey, with several successful DPI initiatives underway. Notable examples include the National Identity Number (NIN), Nigerian Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS), Treasury Single Account (TSA), and the Government Service Portal.
“At the heart of this transformation is the need for universal access, and this calls for a robust broadband infrastructure. For the implementation and use of these services to be truly inclusive, connectivity must reach every corner of the country, from bustling cities to remote rural areas. Entities like the NIGCOMSAT and infrastructure agencies like Galaxy Backbone play a pivotal role in ensuring ubiquitous broadband access, making sure that the benefits of DPI are accessible to all Nigerians.”
She however noted that the vision of a centralised Digital Public Infrastructure represents a bold stride toward a more efficient, inclusive, and digitally advanced future for Nigeria.
