Janet Samuel, Abuja
As part of efforts to improve the deployment, public awareness and uptake of Digital Public Infrastructure DPI in Nigeria, the Media Foundation for West Africa MFWA in collaboration with International Press Center iIPC convened a public forum on the theme: The Status of Digital Public Infrastructure in Nigeria: Progress, Challenges and Prospects.
The interactive session which took place on Tuesday in Abuja delve into the status of DPI in Nigeria, its progress, challenges, and the way forward.
Speaking during the interactive meeting, the program Director MFWA, Abigail Larbi said “MFWA foundation embarked on a journey to enhance journalistic reporting and public awareness of DPI/DPGs through Digital Public Infrastructure Journalism Fellowship. This project,, supported by Co-Develop, aimed to equip journalists with the knowledge and skills necessary to produce compelling reports on DPI, fostering public engagement and inclusivity in West Africa’s digital landscape.
Larbi said “As we stand on the threshold of a digital revolution, the need for open dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders has never been more critical. In Nigeria, the deployment of DPI and DPGs holds immense potential to transform the economy, improve access to education and healthcare, and empower all citizens. However, significant challenges remain, necessitating collective action and innovative solutions.
“It is therefore timely and necessary to convene this forum to delve deeper into the status of DPI in Nigeria, its progress, challenges, and the way forward. Our forum today aims to achieve several objectives:
According to the Larbi, MFWA seeks to deliberate on the current state of Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure and Digital Public Goods, assessing the extent to which inclusivity has been ensured in their deployment.
“Secondly, we aim to highlight the challenges faced in this endeavor and, more importantly, to generate actionable recommendations on how Nigeria can make the adoption of DPI/DPGs more inclusive, safe, and equitable for all its citizens.
“However, equally important is acknowledging that 68% of Nigerians express concerns about online data security. Building trust in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure is paramount. There is a need to prioritize data privacy and cybersecurity measures to ensure that Nigerians feel safe and empowered to participate in the digital world”.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Programmes Manager, International Press Center, Stella Nwofia, said, In the rapidly transforming digital environment, where technology influences every aspect of life, it is essential to recognize the significant role Nigerian journalists play in fostering awareness and championing DPI and DPGs.
“As conveyors of information and narrators of stories, these media practitioners possess the extraordinary ability to elevate public awareness about the transformative impact of DPIs and DPGs, encouraging thoughtful discourse among citizens, decision-makers, and various stakeholders.
“By illuminating the advantages, challenges, and prospects linked with DPIs and DPGs, Nigerian journalists are pivotal in moulding public perception and influencing policies that will lead to fairer access to vital digital resources nationwide.
