In a significant advancement towards modernizing digital governance and improving accessibility to public services, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy has introduced the Nigeria Web Design Standards (NWDS) initiative.
This project, developed in collaboration with the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), seeks to establish a cohesive, user-friendly, and secure framework for all federal government websites.
During a one-day stakeholders’ workshop, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, underscored the vital role of digital tools in fostering trust between citizens and the government.
“Citizens trust governments that assist them efficiently. In this digital era, technology is the most potent instrument for delivering that service,” Tijani remarked. “Web platforms frequently represent the initial point of interaction for citizens. If they are perplexing or inconsistent, they undermine trust. This initiative is aimed at rectifying that. ”
Tijani advocated for an inclusive and collaborative design of government digital platforms, emphasizing the necessity for tools that embody the needs and values of citizens.
NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, stated that the initiative intends to transform digital service delivery by abolishing the fragmented and inconsistent web designs presently utilized by various government entities.
“In the absence of defined standards, agencies function in isolation, creating platforms with diverse layouts and navigation. This frustrates users,” Abdullahi elaborated. “Standardization will facilitate the development of reusable components, thereby simplifying the creation of accessible and citizen-friendly websites. ”
Chairman of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, emphasized the project’s potential to drastically enhance public service delivery.
“Nations that have adopted digital coherence have experienced significant advancements in governance. Nigeria must follow suit—providing a singular, integrated platform where citizens can effortlessly access services,” he stated.
Referencing the UK government’s digital portal as a benchmark, Aig-Imoukhuede asserted that standardized platforms not only boost usability but also strengthen public trust.
Commending the Minister’s visionary leadership, he expressed, “An effective government website is no longer a luxury—it is imperative. As more Nigerians engage online, the government must be prepared to meet them where they are—digitally. ”
Reflecting on his personal experiences in developing digital platforms within the private sector, Aig-Imoukhuede described the NWDS project as a transformative opportunity for how Nigerians engage with their government—visually, structurally, and institutionally.
Chioma Njoku, Director of Programmes at the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, provided an overview of the Foundation’s mission to promote public sector transformation. She highlighted that the initiative aligns with the Foundation’s vision of bridging development gaps through technical assistance, partnerships, and capacity-building.
“Young individuals must perceive public service as a realm of opportunity, not frustration. Through this and other initiatives, we aspire to inspire a new generation to have faith in public service and national transformation,” she stated.
