Nigeria’s digital future hinges on secure, standardised IDs

Nigeria’s ambition to lead Africa’s digital transformation is set to rest well on a standardised, secure, and globally recognised digital ID system.

A trusted, standardised digital ID is not just about convenience; it is the passport to Nigeria’s digital future and one that promises growth, inclusion, and global competitiveness.

Anas Mostafa, regional sales director at Veridos, said Nigeria cannot afford fragmented or insecure platforms. “First, it has to be standardised. Second, it has to be secure. Third, it has to be future-proof.”

He warned that without global compatibility, Nigeria risks building systems that fail international recognition and lose citizens’ trust. He pointed to e-passports as an example, saying, “A passport is issued locally but used globally. Nigeria’s e-passport must meet international requirements to be recognised abroad.”

Beyond global recognition, he noted that regional harmonisation within ECOWAS could accelerate business travel, cross-border education, and trade opportunities, boosting Nigeria’s competitiveness.

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For the Nigerian economy, building trust in digital infrastructure is not simply about convenience but about unlocking new markets, driving inclusion, and positioning Nigeria as a leader in West Africa’s digital revolution.

Although the country has made progress, the World Bank warns that Nigeria is still capturing only a fraction of its vast digital economy. Strategic investments and stronger policy direction will be required to turn ambition into a truly transformative digital ecosystem.

Experts say this step is not just about identity management, but it is about unlocking economic potential, driving inclusion, and positioning the country as West Africa’s digital hub.

Closing infrastructure and policy gaps

Nigeria’s digital economy faces well-documented challenges, which include policy inconsistencies, infrastructural bottlenecks, and market limitations. Yet, experts agree that with a unified approach, clear standards, and stronger partnerships, the country can have a systemic transformation.

Siegfried Zottel, World Bank’s senior financial sector specialist, highlighted structural hurdles holding back digital growth, from unfriendly business environments to limited early-stage financing and underdeveloped markets outside major cities.

Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), said addressing these gaps requires joint action. “There’s a need to roll out infrastructure in hard-to-reach areas through co-investment models and shared infrastructure.”

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ALTON continues to push for enabling policies that reduce multiple taxation, ease Right of Way (RoW) bottlenecks, and protect existing infrastructure.

Shared responsibility for resilience

At GITEX Nigeria 2025, Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, said the government alone cannot carry the digital agenda.

“We believe we should build and are building a resilient global system to ensure Nigeria is not just keeping pace with digital infrastructure but also strengthening it,” Tijani said.

Chidera Ezenwanne, Associate at Kenna, underscored the importance of data protection and inclusion. “By supporting homegrown innovation and tracking real progress on inclusion, Nigeria can create a digital ecosystem that truly works for everyone.”