The European Union (EU) has announced plans to support Nigeria in deploying the X-Road model of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), the same framework successfully implemented in Finland and Estonia.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, made the announcement on Thursday in Abuja during the Nigeria GovTech Conference and Awards 2025, organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR).
The conference, themed “Redefining Possibilities: Harnessing Emerging Technologies for Public Service Delivery and Socio-Economic Development,” focused on leveraging digital innovations to improve governance and service delivery.
The X-Road is an open-source software framework that enables secure, real-time data exchange across different government information systems, serving as a backbone for transparent and efficient digital governance.
Mignot disclosed that the EU’s support would include the deployment of 90,000 additional kilometres of fibre optic cables, investments in digital literacy and skills development, and the establishment of digital transformation centres. These efforts will complement the EU’s existing £8 million grants and loans under the Nigeria Digital Economy Initiative.
He explained that the X-Road model would help integrate public sector systems securely, enhance data protection, and stimulate economic and social activities across Nigeria.
According to Mignot, the initiative underscores the EU’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, fostering innovation, and accelerating the nation’s transition toward a more inclusive and efficient digital economy.
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