NITDA, World Bank Set to Enhance Cross-border Data Services
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NITDA, World Bank Set to Enhance Cross-border Data Services
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
In a continuous effort to propel Nigeria into a future where digital technology and economic growth uplift the nation, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is set to collaborate with the World Bank and World Trade Organization (WTO).
This collaboration aims to implement the presidential priority areas of reforming the economy for sustained inclusive growth and accelerating diversification through industrialization and digitization.
The announcement was made when DG NITDA Kashifu Inuwa CCIE hosted a delegation from the World Bank and WTO, led by Mr. Aleksandar Stojanov, at the agency’s corporate headquarters in Abuja.
The meeting focused on fostering deep collaboration to enhance digital trade, cross-border data services, and sharing ideas on developing regulatory policies that would accelerate economic growth through technological innovations.
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Speaking on the agency’s move to review its regulations, Inuwa outlined NITDA’s comprehensive plans and introduced the agency’s newly recrafted Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0 for 2024-2027.
This is part of efforts to implement the presidential renewed hope priority areas in enhancing the country’s digital economy.
“We started with recrafting our Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0 for 2024-2027, which has eight strategic pillars, including Strengthening Policy Implementation and Legal Framework. We aim to create an enabling environment for the digital economy and digital trade,” he noted.
Inuwa highlighted key regulatory advancements and revealed that NITDA is at an advanced stage of establishing a National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to underpin the nation’s electronic signature framework.
The framework’s development has involved extensive research into international best practices and substantial investment in necessary infrastructure.
Discussing the agency’s legal advancements, the NITDA DG said efforts are underway to push for the enactment of a comprehensive digital economy bill that will incorporate the electronic signature framework and other critical regulatory instruments.
Emphasizing the importance of blockchain technology in enhancing the security and efficiency of digital transactions, he mentioned that a broader blockchain policy is being developed, particularly focusing on the implementation of smart contracts.
Highlighting the upcoming data exchange platform designed to streamline and enhance messaging systems, Inuwa stated, “We have the Nigerian Data Strategy, which will create a balance between the protection and viability of open data to promote innovation. Access to open data is essential for innovation and decision-making.”
The DG disclosed that NITDA’s regulatory department is working on streamlining regulations to address the plethora of existing regulatory instruments and tackle major challenges effectively.
Underscoring the necessity of digitizing Nigeria’s single window and customs procedures, he asserted that NITDA is actively participating in cross-border digital trade protocols, enhancing Nigeria’s role in the global digital economy.
“The EU recently developed a Cyber Resilience Act covering software and hardware testing issues. We can have a similar instrument to address cyber resilience, including software, hardware, firmware issues, and even the national cybersecurity architecture,” he opined.
He expressed NITDA’s willingness to collaborate with individuals, organizations, and experts to refine and implement all these strategic initiatives, optimizing Nigeria’s digital landscape.
In his address, Mr. Stojanov shared initial findings from the digital trade regulatory gap analysis conducted by the World Bank on the continent, particularly in Nigeria, and how regulations can play a critical role in enhancing digital trade.
He assured the World Bank’s eagerness to collaborate and support NITDA in propelling digital trade and cross-border data services.
