In a bold step to modernise public service delivery and bridge the digital trust gap, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, in collaboration with the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has launched the Nigeria Web Design Standards (NWDS) project. The initiative aims to unify the design and management of federal government websites, ensuring they are simple, secure, user-friendly, and trustworthy.
At a stakeholders’ workshop to unveil the project, Minister Dr. Bosun Tijani stressed that digital technology is now central to public service delivery and restoring faith in government. He noted that the internet has become the first point of contact between citizens and the state, and poorly designed platforms can erode trust.
“Web platforms are often the first interaction citizens have with government. If they’re difficult to navigate or inconsistent, they damage credibility. This project is about correcting that,” he said.
Dr. Tijani called for co-creation of the new digital standards, ensuring that government websites reflect citizens’ expectations, values, and needs.
NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi underscored the broader goal of improving service delivery in a digital-first world. He said the lack of uniform standards has led to fragmented and frustrating online experiences, with each government agency operating independently. By standardising design and structure, he explained, agencies can share digital resources, streamline operations, and offer more accessible and coherent services.
Agboja Igimokode, CEO of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, echoed these views, stating that the NWDS initiative is a crucial step toward transforming governance through digital innovation. He cited global examples such as the UK’s government portal, noting that consistency and ease of navigation significantly improve citizen engagement and trust.
“Digital inclusion is not optional anymore. It’s how governments stay relevant and responsive. Nigeria must match global standards by offering a unified, reliable digital experience for its people,” Igimokode said.
He praised Dr. Tijani’s leadership and highlighted how Nigerian innovators have already used technology to transform industries such as banking and digital lending—proof that a well-designed digital ecosystem can drive national impact.
The Foundation’s Director of Programmes, Chioma Njoku, presented the organisation’s vision of building a strong, citizen-centred public sector. She said the NWDS project is part of a broader mission to support public sector reform and address development gaps in health, education, and infrastructure.
She also spoke on the need to change public perceptions about government work, especially among the youth.
“Young Nigerians must see public service as a platform for change, not as a space of limitations. Through this and other initiatives, we’re showing that government can work and work well,” Njoku said.
She called on stakeholders including the private sector, youth groups, civil society, and the media—to see digital governance as a shared responsibility.
The NWDS initiative will soon be backed by a mandatory policy framework, with clear assessment tools and incentives to ensure compliance across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), according to NITDA.
Among its expected benefits are a unified digital identity for government websites, smoother user experiences, improved accessibility, cost and time savings through shared resources, and greater public trust through usability and transparency.
The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is funding the project’s first phase, with Dr. Tijani commending the foundation for its sustained commitment to innovation and inclusion.
“This is not just about websites,” the minister said. “It’s about reimagining governance. For the first time in Africa, we’re co-creating a national digital interface that truly serves its people. It’s about trust, efficiency, and the future.”
The NWDS project is a key part of Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda aimed at closing the gap between citizens and government, fostering transparency, and driving inclusive national development.
