The Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Carl Cruz has highlighted the critical role of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in enabling access to essential services for millions of Nigerians. He made this known at the event organized by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).with the theme ‘Digital Public Infrastructure: Enabling Access to Services’ in celebration of the 6th National Day of Identity, TheMediaGood Newspaper reports. The event attracted policymakers, business leaders, and experts from the telecommunications, technology, and identity management sectors.
Delivering his keynote speech, Mr. Cruz emphasized that DPI, particularly through digital identity systems, is fundamental to ensuring that every Nigerian has access to services such as healthcare, education, and financial services. ‘Digital Public Infrastructure is the backbone of any modern society. It connects people to the essential services they need to thrive, and more importantly, it does so in an inclusive and secure manner. We need to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind as we build a stronger digital economy.’
‘In times of crisis, access to services is not just about convenience; it can mean the difference between receiving timely medical attention or financial support and being left out’ as he underscored the importance of digital identity as a gateway to accessing both public and private services.
As a major player in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry, Airtel has been at the forefront of expanding digital connectivity, a key enabler of DPI. ‘We have made significant strides in bringing broadband access to underserved communities, ensuring that more Nigerians can participate in the digital economy’, Mr. Cruz said.
The CEO also highlighted Airtel’s collaboration with the government and financial institutions to promote financial inclusion. ‘Our mobile money platforms are helping to bring financial services to the unbanked population, creating opportunities for millions of Nigerians who previously had limited access to formal financial services.’
He called for stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors to bridge these gaps. ‘It is crucial that we not only expand digital access but also ensure that our systems are secure, so citizens can trust them.’
Concluding his keynote, Mr. Cruz called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to fully unlock the potential of DPI, which he believes will drive significant progress in healthcare, education, and financial inclusion.