NITDA DG Urges Stakeholders To Implement Int’l Standards To Boost Digital Trust

The director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA),  Inuwa Kashifu has harped on the need to establish digital trust and implement international standards to support the country’s digitisation policies.
DG NITDA made this declaration at a digital policy workshop organised by the British Standards Institution (BSI) in Abuja, where he also highlighted on the pivotal role of NITDA in setting standards for digital transformation.
He highlighted on the timeliness of the event, stressing that it would deepen collaboration between NITDA, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the British Government, by ultimately enhancing digital trust and adoption within Nigeria.
He reiterated the directive from President Bola Tinubu to expedite the diversification of Nigeria’s economy through technological innovation, adding that the Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani had also unveiled the ministry’s strategic plan, encompassing five pillars: knowledge, policy, infrastructure, innovation (entrepreneurship & capital) and trade.
Speaking on NITDA’s specific contributions, Inuwa explained the Agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan, consisting of eight strategic pillars; the paramount importance of building digital trust, adding that this endeavour aims to instil confidence in citizens using digital services safely and responsibly.
To achieve this goal, he harped on the necessity of international collaboration, citing the Ministry’s target for NITDA to develop standards for the Nigerian digital public infrastructure.
He highlighted the need for a scalable system with global market value, reinforcing the indigenous nature of solutions while aligning with international standards.
While addressing the challenges in Nigeria, particularly those related to e-commerce and online transactions, the NITDA boss acknowledged the negative impact on trust over the years, but expressed optimism that the adoption of international standards would restore trust in transactions within Nigeria.
Inuwa envisioned a future with automated transactions and electronically generated invoices, noting the importance of partnerships with organisations like SON and international bodies such as BSI.
DG NITDA said “We look forward to building a stronger and mutually productive relationship and being part of the global ecosystem.”
The team lead at the British Standards Institution (BSI), Dr. Nigel Croft welcomed the guests and applauded the collaboration.
Croft called for the subsequent training sessions for critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s standards sector, aiming to align with global best practices.
The workshop included key presentations, such as NITDA’s discussion on “Key Opportunities and Challenges in Nigeria’s Digitization Initiatives,” led by the acting director of the standard, guidelines and framework department at NITDA as well as presentations from representatives of the British Standards Institution and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria.
The event facilitated also a round-table discussion where participants shared experiences regarding challenges to digitisation, opportunities for entering global value chains and transforming public services through international standards.
However, stakeholders expressed optimism that the conclusions and recommendations from the workshop would guide the next steps toward achieving anticipated gains.