Nigeria could unlock billions in savings and revenue by embracing digital governance, according to the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). The move, experts say, could help plug leakages in public spending and tax collection—part of the $110 billion governments worldwide are missing annually.
Speaking at the e-Government Summit in Lagos, the NDPC’s National Commissioner and CEO explained that true digital governance is not just about moving services online. Instead, it means reshaping economic management, curbing corruption, and rebuilding public trust.
He pointed to Nigeria’s own reforms as proof of what technology can deliver. The Treasury Single Account (TSA) has saved more than ₦10 trillion by consolidating public finances. The Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) struck out over 70,000 ghost workers. Meanwhile, the Government Integrated Financial Management System (GIFMIS) closed ₦126 billion in leakages.“These are not abstract figures. They are real-life results of what happens when you put digital tools at the centre of governance. If we scale this up, the impact on our economy will be massive,” he said.
Broadband and Trust at the Heart of Digital Reform
Other speakers stressed that reforms cannot succeed on technology alone. The convener of the summit and Executive Chairman of DigiServe Network Services said collaboration between the public and private sectors is key to eliminating bottlenecks.
The President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) noted that broadband remains the backbone of e-governance. Without fast and affordable internet, he warned, millions—especially in rural areas—will be excluded from services. This, he said, risks undermining inclusiveness.
The President of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) added that citizens also need to feel secure. According to him, a trusted, homegrown digital identity ecosystem is vital if Nigerians are to fully embrace online governance.
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