FG Adopts EU Digital Model

The Federal Government is poised to implement a European-style digital governance framework with support from the European Union, which plans to assist Nigeria in deploying the X-Road system. The X-Road, a secure and open-source digital infrastructure widely adopted in Estonia and Finland, facilitates seamless interconnection among public institutions and enhances the delivery of government services.

EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, made this known at the 2025 Nigeria GovTech Conference and Awards, organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) in Abuja. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader objective of achieving full digital transformation of public service operations by the end of the year. The conference, themed “Redefining Possibilities: Harnessing Emerging Technologies for Public Service Delivery and Socio-Economic Development,” brought together policymakers, diplomats, and technology experts to discuss how digital innovation can reshape governance and strengthen citizens’ confidence in public institutions.

Mignot explained that the EU is collaborating with Nigeria to integrate the X-Road platform,a system that enables secure, real-time data exchange between government agencies without compromising users’ privacy. Citing Estonia as a model, he noted that the platform seamlessly connects citizens, insurance firms, and inspection authorities for services such as vehicle registration and insurance verification, ensuring both efficiency and data protection. “Your data remains protected and accessible only with your consent. Whether for school enrolment, insurance, or other public services, X-Road ensures that transactions are completed safely and transparently,” he said.

He added that Nigeria’s adoption of this framework reflects proven successes in Estonia and Finland, countries globally acclaimed for their leadership in digital governance and near-total digitisation of public administration. Mignot further revealed that the EU’s broader digital partnership with Nigeria includes the rollout of 90,000 kilometres of additional fibre-optic cables, expansion of digital literacy initiatives, and establishment of digital transformation centres nationwide. Through the Nigeria Digital Economy Initiative, the EU has also provided an initial £8 million in grants and loans to strengthen data infrastructure, expand internet access, and promote inclusion in the digital economy.

Director-General of BPSR, Dasuki Arabi, said Nigeria’s public sector is already undergoing extensive digital reforms to promote efficiency, transparency, and accountability. He disclosed that the Bureau, in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission, is adopting advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, process automation, and blockchain across various government operations. “We are integrating distributed ledger technologies to secure documents, streamline processes, and optimise resources for improved service delivery,” Arabi said.

He added that over 500,000 public servants will be equipped with digital literacy and emerging technology skills to sustain innovation and ensure long-term progress within the civil service. “People remain the core drivers of innovation,” he noted. “Our mission is to empower public servants to maintain and advance these technologies for lasting impact.”

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, represented by Esuabana Nko-Asanye, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, reaffirmed that digital transformation remains a key pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda. He said the administration is implementing measures to improve the interoperability of government platforms and enhance Nigeria’s digital identity system. “By digitising public services, we lower the cost of living, simplify business processes, eliminate bottlenecks, promote transparency, attract investment, and unlock our economy’s full innovation potential,” Akume stated.