Nigeria and Germany advance digital identity infrastructure

Governmental digital identity initiatives are advancing in both Nigeria and Germany. At a UN side event, a high-ranking Nigerian official described digital identity as a fundamental pillar for accessing public services, participating in the digital economy, and interacting with financial institutions.

Nigeria is currently building this infrastructure, with over 142 million people already holding a National Identification Number (NIN). The government aims to have at least 95 percent of the population registered by December. This system is intended to link authorities, banks, and private services from birth to death.

In Germany, the Federal Office of Justice is transitioning the issuance of certificates of good conduct to a digital format. Starting October 1, these documents will be available as digital PDF files via the central BundID account. This move shifts one of the country's most frequently used judicial administrative services from paper mail to an electronic process, requiring a BundID account and the AusweisApp for access.