By Omeiza Ajayi

ABUJA: The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-member Presidential Committee on the Implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure DPI.

The committee, which is chaired by President Bola Tinubu, is charged with the core mandate of ensuring a robust, coordinated and legally compliant implementation of DPI that aligns with Nigeria’s development targets.

While the Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Senator George Akume is in charge of the Secretariat, members of the committee include the Head of Civil Service of The Federation; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice; Minister of Finance; and, Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy.

Others are the Minister of Interior; Minister of Budget and National Planning; Director General, National Identity Management Commission NIMC; and, Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency NITDA.

Director, Information and  Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Segun Imohiosen, disclosed this in a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja.

He said the SGF, Sen. George Akume, who inaugurated the committee was represented by Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani.

According to him, the SGF emphasized the importance of the DPI in promoting Nigeria’s digital economy.

”DPI is the key to unlocking new avenues for growth, creating jobs, improving public service delivery and empowering our citizens. To achieve this vision, we must establish a well-coordinated and robust governance structure to drive its implementation”, the SGF was quoted as saying.

He charged the committee to work assiduously to provide necessary strategic direction and coordination of the seamless integration of the three core pillars of the DPI, which are Digital Identity, Financial Payments and Data Exchange, to foster innovation and evidence-based decision making in governance.

Director General, National Identity Management Commission NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote reiterated the role of NIMC in improving the overall quality of life of Nigerians through a digital publication structure.

“We acknowledge our full responsibilities to contribute meaningfully to advance economic growth, enhance citizens engagement and improve the overall quality of life through DPI. NIMC pledges her full support and cooperation on this noble endeavour, and together we shall work diligently to ensure the implementation of DPI in Nigeria’’, she stated.

On his part, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency NITDA, Dr Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, harped on the critical importance of unifying government databases to facilitate seamless data exchange and enhance the overall life experience of Nigerians.

The Managing Director,  Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System NIBSS, Mr Premier Oiwoh also noted the need to build teams to solve local problems on identity management and financial payments.

He said; ‘’NIBSS has been working collaboratively with NIMC to verify National Identity Numbers and Bank Verification Numbers to ensure financial Payment and secure transactions by linking their database for more efficient results.