By Joy Odor, Abuja
Nigeria has set its sights on becoming a global leader in digital infrastructure, with the Minister of Interior, Hon. (Dr.) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, unveiling a game-changing vision for the nation’s future at the 2025 7th National Day of Identity in Abuja on Tuesday.
In a speech that has sent shockwaves through the digital governance community, Tunji-Ojo declared that Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) will be the cornerstone of Nigeria’s digital transformation, positioning the nation to dominate the global digital economy.
“This is not just a technical necessity; it is a strategic priority,” Tunji-Ojo said, stressing that the development of PKI would secure Nigeria’s digital future and propel the country into the ranks of global economic powerhouses.
With the theme “Public Key Infrastructure: Backbone to Digital Public Infrastructure,” the event underscored the critical role of PKI in the country’s ambition to build secure, interoperable, and inclusive digital systems.
Tunji-Ojo put forth a bold declaration: “Identity is the lodestone of modern governance,” positioning the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) at the very heart of Nigeria’s national identity and digital infrastructure.
He noted that the National Identity Database is not only a repository of personal information but the foundation for a modern, secure digital government that will span sectors including finance, healthcare, and commerce.
The Minister went on to unveil a sweeping roadmap for achieving Nigeria’s digital supremacy, focusing on five critical pillars: governance and legal clarity, resilient technical architecture, interoperability, capacity building, and privacy protection.
He made it clear that meeting global standards for digital identity and security is not simply a technical challenge, but a comprehensive national effort that requires transparent governance, rigorous audits, and the active participation of both the private sector and international partners.
“This is not just about creating systems,” he emphasized, “it’s about creating trust.”
He pointed to the ongoing collaboration between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and NIMC as essential in integrating PKI into Nigeria’s national identity services.
These efforts are poised to enable secure and scalable e-government services that meet the demands of modern citizens.
A key highlight of the Minister’s address was the unveiling of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex (BATTIC), a cutting-edge facility designed to enhance Nigeria’s border management, passport services, and biometric production.
BATTIC, Tunji-Ojo explained, is a key pillar in Nigeria’s broader Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), ensuring that identity, travel documents, and border systems are harmonized and cryptographically verifiable.
But the Minister’s vision extends far beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Tunji-Ojo stressed that with digital systems becoming the backbone of global commerce, Nigeria is committed not only to meeting international standards but setting the regional benchmark for digital identity and security.
The Minister’s clarion call to the private sector, financial leaders, and international development partners emphasized the need for collective action to ensure the success of this transformative project.
“This is a decisive moment,” he stated, echoing a sentiment that has resonated throughout the country’s digital governance strategy. “If we treat identity infrastructure as strategic national infrastructure, Nigeria will not only meet global standards but will set the standard for the entire region.”
In a statement that solidifies Nigeria’s position as a trailblazer in digital governance, the Minister’s words have laid the foundation for a future of secure, interoperable, and globally competitive digital economies.
With key investments already in progress, Nigeria is poised to redefine the global landscape of digital identity and security, paving the way for cross-border commerce, secure financial transactions, and greater international recognition of Nigerian credentials.
The message is clear: Nigeria’s digital future is now. And under Tunji-Ojo’s leadership, the country is charging forward with a bold vision to dominate the digital age and set the standard for nations across Africa and beyond.
