The Federal Government is set to adopt a European-style model of digital governance through the deployment of the X-Road system, a secure, open-source platform that interlinks public institutions and simplifies access to government services.
The initiative follows the European Union’s commitment to support Nigeria’s digital transformation efforts, announced during the 2025 Nigeria GovTech Conference and Awards in Abuja. The event, organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), focused on harnessing emerging technologies for efficient governance and socio-economic development.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, explained that the X-Road system—already in use in Estonia and Finland—enables secure, real-time exchange of data across multiple government agencies while protecting users’ privacy.
“The solution connects government institutions and citizens securely. Your data remains private and accessible only with your authorisation,” Mignot said. “This model has transformed public service delivery in Europe and is now being extended to Nigeria.”
He noted that the EU’s broader partnership with Nigeria includes deploying 90,000 kilometres of new fibre-optic cables, expanding digital literacy initiatives, and establishing digital transformation centres nationwide. An initial £8 million in grants and loans has also been provided under the Nigeria Digital Economy Initiative.
BPSR Director-General, Dasuki Arabi, said the Bureau is already integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain, and automation into public administration. “We aim to train over 500,000 public servants in digital literacy to sustain the reform momentum,” he said.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, represented by Esuabana Nko-Asanye, stated that digital transformation remains a cornerstone of President Bola Tinubu’s governance reform agenda aimed at improving transparency and efficiency.
“Digitising government services will cut costs, ease business operations, and enhance transparency,” Akume said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Tunji Olaopa, urged government institutions to move from basic digitisation to full-scale modernisation. “Artificial intelligence and automation are redefining governance globally. Nigeria must align with this new reality,” he said.
The X-Road model will allow government databases—from healthcare and education to taxation and transport—to interact seamlessly, eliminating duplication, reducing corruption, and speeding up service delivery.
The collaboration with the EU aligns with Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020–2030), positioning the country to become a leading digital economy in Africa.
