The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has reiterated the agency’s commitment to championing digital identity and data integration as essential tools for effective national planning and inclusive governance.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has reiterated the agency’s commitment to championing digital identity and data integration as essential tools for effective national planning and inclusive governance.
He made this known at the inaugural meeting of the National Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Coordination Committee, held at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel.
Speaking during the stakeholder engagement, which brought together key institutions including the National Population Commission (NPC), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Inuwa highlighted the significance of CRVS reform in the context of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the agenda prioritises digital public infrastructure, efficient service delivery, and data-driven policymaking.
“The importance of civil registration and vital statistics cannot be overemphasised,” he said. “It is foundational for making informed and insightful decisions at every level of government, that is, federal, state, and local.”
The NITDA DG stressed the need for harmonised data systems across government agencies, adding that fragmented data continues to hinder Nigeria’s ability to plan effectively. He said leveraging technology is critical to overcoming these challenges.
“From registering people at birth, giving them legal identity, and linking that information to national planning and budgeting, technology can help us stitch everything together. Without harmonising our data, we cannot generate the insight we need for national development,” he added.
Inuwa gave assurances that NITDA would offer both standardisation and advisory support to relevant agencies to ensure that the digitisation of civil registration is smooth and citizen-centred.
“At NITDA, our vision is to ensure that the right standards and digital advisory services are in place for all institutions involved in CRVS. We are committed to supporting this committee by enabling the technology that will power seamless, integrated service delivery for all Nigerians,” he stated.
He noted that the agency’s support aligns with the National Population Commission’s broader vision to modernise identity management and improve service delivery nationwide.
“Digital is a lifestyle now. Nobody wants to fill out forms on paper or move from office to office. Everything must be digital, seamless, and secure,” the DG said.
The meeting, which brought together policymakers, data experts and stakeholders, focused on strategies for harmonising identity systems, digitising civil registration processes, and building a unified CRVS platform.
Among the dignitaries present were the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Identity and National Population, Senator Victor Umeh; Chairman of the National Population Commission, Hon Nasir Isa Kwarra; Statistician-General of the Federation and CEO of NBS, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran; DG of NIMC, Engr Bisoye Coker-Odusote; and the President of ALGON, Engr Bello Lawal, among others.