NITDA, Benin Republic partner to advance digital transformation

*Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency and Agence des Systèmes d’Information et du Numérique of the Republic of Benin collaborate to strengthen bilateral cooperation on digital transformation, digital public infrastructure, and innovation-driven governance

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Agence des Systèmes d’Information et du Numérique (ASIN), the Information Systems and Digital Agency of the Republic of Benin, have collaborated to strengthen bilateral cooperation on digital transformation, digital public infrastructure, and innovation-driven governance.

ConsumerConnect reports NITDA disclosed the two organisations re-affirmed their commitment during a recent courtesy visit by the Beninese delegation to the agency’s Corporate Headquarters, in Abuja.

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The Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency the discussions centred on deepening bilateral cooperation, sharing best practices, and advancing digital development across the region.

Speaking during the collaborative engagement, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships of the agency, said regional collaboration remained critical to advancing Africa’s digital economy and building resilient digital ecosystems capable of supporting sustainable growth.

Inuwa emphasised that NITDA is committed to driving Nigeria’s digital transformation through the development of policies, standards, and strategic frameworks designed to modernise governance and improve service delivery across the public sector.

The Director-General of NITDA also explained the agency has developed several foundational frameworks, including the Enterprise Governance Framework, Digital Transformation Framework, and Software Quality Assurance Framework, to guide Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in their digital transformation journeys.

He stated: “Our goal is to move government institutions beyond basic digitalisation to full digital transformation, and ultimately, to build an intelligent, data-driven government powered by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.”

Inuwa further disclosed that since 2018, NITDA has reviewed over ₦1.5 trillion worth of government IT projects to ensure compliance, technical alignment, and value for money.

The intervention, he noted, has helped the Federal Government to save more than ₦300 billion by eliminating duplication, promoting shared services, and improving the success rate of digital projects across ministries, departments, and agencies.

On digital public infrastructure

In respect of digital public infrastructure, Inuwa revealed that Nigeria has transitioned from fragmented agency-to-agency data exchanges to a more integrated and citizen-centred digital ecosystem through the Nigerian Data Exchange (NGDX) platform.

He explained that the platform provides a federated and centralised framework for seamless data exchange among government institutions while preserving the autonomy of individual information systems.

According to him, the proposed e-Government and Digital Economy Bill will provide the legal backing needed to strengthen the platform and institutionalise digital collaboration across government.

The Director-general further highlighted NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) 2024–2027, which aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and focuses on critical areas such as digital literacy, research and development, cybersecurity, innovation, inclusive access, and strategic partnerships.

Benin’s achievements in digital public infrastructure, by Tildy Erlong

Earlier, Tildy Erlong, Head of International Partnerships at ASIN, had said the delegation’s visit followed a recent Smart Africa workshop, in Abuja, FCT.

The Head of International Partnerships at ASIN said the visit was aimed at strengthening institutional ties and learning from Nigeria’s digital transformation experience.

She described ASIN as the operational agency under Benin Republic’s Digital Ministry.

According to her, the agency is responsible for implementing strategic digital development projects across the country in collaboration with key institutions, including the national identity agency, ANIP, and the cybersecurity agency, CENIN.

Erlong further highlighted Benin’s achievements in digital public infrastructure.

She revealed that about 98 percent of the neighbouring country’s population—approximately 13.6 million citizens—has been enrolled on its digital identity platform.

She added that over 60 government agencies and service institutions are connected through Benin’s XROAD interoperability platform, enabling the delivery of over 250 digital services to citizens.

According to her, Benin is also prioritising digital inclusion, open-source systems, and the deployment of artificial intelligence to improve service delivery in sectors such as healthcare, education, and justice.

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