Nigeria and Team Europe Forge Path for Secure Data Exchange with NGDX Initiative

Nigeria has embarked on a transformative journey to bolster its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) with the launch of a technical roundtable for the Nigeria Data Exchange Platform (NGDX). This is a pivotal step toward secure and inclusive digital systems for citizens and businesses.

Organized by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, in collaboration with the European Union and Team Europe partners from Estonia, Finland, Germany, and France, the Nigeria Data Exchange Conference convened key stakeholders, including government officials, lawmakers, regulators, industry leaders, and global partners. Facilitated by the Digital for Development (D4D) Hub, the event focused on shaping the vision, governance, and technical framework of the NGDX, which is set to become the third pillar of Nigeria’s DPI, alongside the National Identity System and National Payments Infrastructure.

Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, underscored the NGDX’s role in Nigeria’s digital evolution. “With robust National Identity and Payments systems already in place, the NGDX is the next critical step to enable secure data sharing between government and businesses, delivering enhanced services while prioritizing privacy, security, and accountability,” Tijani said. He emphasized that the platform will adhere to the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, ensuring robust privacy safeguards under the National Data Protection Commission. The minister pledged to launch a fully operational NGDX by the end of 2025, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, announced a €18 million EU commitment to support Nigeria’s DPI development. He highlighted Nigeria’s strategic importance within the EU’s Global Gateway and International Digital Strategies, which aim to foster secure, trusted digital ecosystems and strengthen Europe-Africa business ties. “DPI is more than technology—it empowers societies through secure digital identities, seamless payments, and trusted data governance,” De Luca said, stressing the need for frameworks that prioritize inclusivity, equity, security, and sustainability.

De Luca also spotlighted key EU-backed projects driving Nigeria’s digital transformation, including BRIDGE, which will deploy 90,000 kilometers of fiber-optic cable nationwide, and 3 MITT, a program to integrate Nigerian youth into the ICT workforce. The €18 million funding approval marks a significant milestone in the EU’s support for Nigeria’s DPI rollout, reinforcing its commitment to fostering a secure and inclusive digital economy.