By Ijeoma Olorunfemi
The Federal Government on Thursday took delivery of the Nigeria Government Enterprise Architecture (NGEA) Portal from Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
This marks a major step at strengthening digital governance and improving coordination across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The portal was developed by KOICA in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) who also received the portal documents in Abuja.
The handover ceremony had its theme as “Strengthening Digital Governance and Whole-of-Government ICT Integration in Nigeria.”
Malam Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of NITDA, said the initiative was a critical component of the Nigeria E-Government Master Plan 2.0.
Represented by Dr Warowei Dimie, Director, Corporate Planning and Strategy, he described it as a strategic bilateral engagement between Nigeria and the Republic of Korea.
Inuwa said the engagement was aimed at accelerating digital transformation through modern, integrated systems.
“Key objectives of the collaboration includes reviewing the existing e-government framework, designing reference models, opening an industry platform for government review, and building capacity for strategic financing over the next four years.
“We have the foundational reference models, covering technology, business and service which have been developed to guide government digital systems,” he said.
Inuwa noted that the portal would provide the structural framework required to ensure interoperability, efficiency and alignment of government digital services with national priorities.
He acknowledged that it had been difficult for MDAs to communicate and share information, adding that the platform would address the challenge and connect MDAs with a shared vision for improved data systems.
He added that four institutions, including NITDA, the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service and the National Identity Management Commission were selected for the pilot phase of the project.
Inuwa said the infrastructure had been deployed within the NITDA workspace supported by policies to ensure stability and continuity.
Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, represented by Dr Ebiman Sampson, said the initiative would enhance coordination across government institutions and improve public service delivery.
He said digitalising government systems remained central to Nigeria’s development priorities, adding that it would strengthen transparency, policy coordination and service efficiency.
Sampson noted that the initiative aligned with the National Development Plan (2026–2030), which prioritised digital transformation as a key driver of economic growth and institutional efficiency.
He added that any country willing to assist Nigeria to develop its digitalisation process, must align with established models that promote coordination, efficiency and sustainable infrastructure, such as the KOICA’s.
Mr Nagungu Gagare, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, represented by Mr Johnson Baraye, described the initiative as a shift from fragmented systems to coordinate execution.
Baraye said the NGEA provided a governance structure which aligned the people, processes, data and technology with national priorities.
“The framework addresses long-standing challenges of siloed systems and inefficient investments by establishing clear governance structures, reference models and implementation roadmaps.
“As we complete this handover, the true value of the NGEA will lie in its adoption across MDAs and I call on all government institutions to embrace the framework,” Baraye said.
The Country Director of KOICA, Mr Eunsub Kim, said the handover marked the culmination of over four years of collaboration, strategic planning and partnership.
Kim explained that the project began with the selection of pilot MDAs, followed by a comprehensive analysis and development of an enterprise architecture framework for NITDA, NIMC, NIS and NCS, which was launched in 2024.
“At the core of this achievement is the enterprise architecture framework, an essential tool for effective information system planning in a complex public sector environment,” he said.
He said the portal represented a shared vision of a more efficient, interconnected and digitally enabled public sector, reaffirming KOICA’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation.(NAN)http://www.nannews.ng
Edited by Ijendu Iheaka/Uche Anunne
