If there’s one important lesson I like to share with everyone is this: technology alone can’t solve all our problems. It alone can never be the solution to anything.
I’ve seen from many governments around the world that just having technology doesn’t fix everything. In fact, if we’re not careful, it can make existing issues like power imbalances and (digital or other) inequality even worse.
Think about it this way: Imagine you have a really powerful tool, like a supercomputer. If you use it without a plan or rules, it could either do great things or cause more problems.
So, when we talk about building Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) — which are like the digital tools and systems for the government — we need to be careful.
During the recent G20 Summit in India, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, met with Indian digital transformation leaders. Tijani announced Nigeria’s plan to establish a Memorandum of Understanding with India to leverage India’s expertise in designing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPIs) for government services.
This, of course, presents a valuable opportunity for Nigeria’s digital governance progress.
But here’s a question to ponder: How can Nigeria successfully leverage DPIs? How can we make sure that these digital tools actually help everyone and protect people’s rights?
Gaining insights from others, but finding solutions that work for Nigeria
Nigeria is focusing on two main areas to make things better: digital identity and sharing information.
Consider the aspect of digital identity. It’s a vital DPI category that facilitates the verification of individuals’ online identities, enabling seamless access to various services.
India did this really well with Aadhaar, a system that helps more than a billion people. Nigeria has its National Identification Numbers (NINs) and Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs), which could be used in a similar way, but they need to figure out how to make the most of them.
Then, there’s the sharing of information. This is about passing data securely, with the owner’s permission, to improve services. Estonia’s X-Road is a great example. But when it comes to Nigeria, we need to ask if the government has clear rules for sharing data beyond just having the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) Act.
The decisions Nigeria’s government makes about these digital systems will impact how they help their citizens.
It’s not just about copying others and learning from those who are better; it’s about finding solutions that work for Nigeria.
The introduction of DPIs represents both an opportunity and a challenge
On one hand, they hold the promise of enhanced accessibility to government services, ushering in an era of self-service for all.
Yet, I’m concerned that if these systems are not implemented and managed carefully, they may inadvertently widen the digital barriers that exist in the country.
Moreover, the advent of DPIs should not be viewed in isolation.
Beyond the initial implementation or strengthening of DPIs, it is necessary for the Nigerian government to adopt a holistic approach to enhancing its digital capabilities.
This means not only the technological infrastructure but also the skills, policies, and governance frameworks that are fundamental in sustaining the benefits of DPIs.
Getting the governance layer right
It is essential for me to emphasize one thing: technology systems, regulations, and principles are not inherently good or bad.
Instead, they are shaped by the values and ideals that underpin the goals of governance.
Similarly, DPIs (as technological entities) are not neutral either. They can have significant impacts, positive or negative, depending on how they are governed and utilized.
I firmly believe that the governance frameworks we establish are not mere bureaucratic formalities; they are deeply rooted in values.
Take, for example, the European Union’s digital regulations like the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Digital Services Act (DSA), and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which place a strong emphasis on individual rights.
In my view, governance serves as the linchpin in determining the outcomes of digital public infrastructure and the subsequent course of digital transformation.
When we get governance right, we pave the way for a digital transformation that aligns with our intended objectives. Conversely, a lack of effective governance can lead to unintended consequences and challenges.
Getting governance right will get Nigeria the right digital transformation.
