By Ifeyinwa C. Okoli
In today’s hyperconnected world, the question of “Who are you?” is no longer confined to border checkpoints or office receptions — it is being asked every time we log into a bank app, make an online purchase, or access government services.
The ability to prove identity securely online is now a cornerstone of the global digital economy. From fintech to healthcare, digital identity technologies, powered by biometrics and backed by strong infrastructure, are redefining trust in the digital age.
I have seen firsthand, in my years in the financial services and technology sectors, how the absence of robust digital identity systems can slow down innovation, increase fraud risks, and exclude millions from participating in the digital economy. Conversely, when implemented well, these systems can open unprecedented opportunities for inclusion, efficiency, and security.
Why Digital Identity Matters Now
A digital identity is the electronic proof of “who you are” online. Unlike physical documents, it can be verified instantly across platforms and borders.
Today’s authentication mechanisms range from the familiar (passwords) to the sophisticated (multi-factor authentication and biometrics). Identity providers such as Google, Apple, or enterprise platforms like Okta have built trust systems for billions of users — yet these are still mostly centralised.
The next frontier is decentralised digital identity, powered by blockchain, where individuals control their own credentials, decide what to share, and can prove identity without handing over personal data to central authorities. This approach has strong potential for emerging markets like Nigeria, where centralised systems often face data security and interoperability challenges.
The Role of Biometrics in Securing Identity
Biometrics from fingerprints to facial recognition, iris scanning, and even behavioural patterns have made digital authentication both more secure and more convenient.
In my view, the strongest adoption cases in Africa have been in:
Banking: Biometric-enabled ATMs and mobile banking verification reduce fraud while making services more accessible.
Border Control: Airports are deploying facial recognition to speed up immigration while improving security.
Healthcare: Patient ID verification is crucial to preventing mix-ups and safeguarding health records in telemedicine.
However, the benefits come with challenges: biometric data, unlike passwords, cannot be “reset” if stolen. This makes secure infrastructure non-negotiable.
The Infrastructure Behind Trust
Digital identity and biometrics are only as strong as the systems that support them. The key enablers include:
Secure Data Storage & Encryption — Cloud systems with end-to-end encryption to keep data safe from breaches.
Interoperability Standards — Protocols like FIDO2 and Decentralized Identifiers to ensure cross-platform verification.
AI-Powered Accuracy — Artificial intelligence to detect fraud and reduce bias in recognition algorithms.
Regulatory Compliance — Frameworks like GDPR in Europe and “privacy by design” principles to protect citizens’ rights.
Without these pillars, even the most advanced biometric technology can fail or worse, be exploited.
The Challenges We Must Address
Three major issues stand out:
Privacy Risks — Centralised databases of biometric data are prime targets for cybercriminals.
Bias in Algorithms — Facial recognition still struggles with accuracy across different skin tones and demographics.
Global Interoperability — Cross-border digital identity recognition remains a challenge, slowing down global trade and mobility.
Looking Ahead
Digital identity is more than a technological upgrade — it is a foundational layer for inclusive growth, financial security, and national resilience.
Nigeria and Africa have an opportunity to leapfrog legacy systems by adopting decentralised models, robust biometric verification, and privacy-first infrastructure. This is not just about catching up with the developed world; it is about setting new global standards that others may follow.
For the UK, where digital trade, fintech, and online public services are booming, the ability to trust and verify identities across borders will only grow in importance. This is where global cooperation between governments, private sector innovators, and regulatory bodies will make the difference.
If we get this right, the digital identity systems we build today will become the invisible yet unshakeable foundation of tomorrow’s digital society.
About the Author
Ifeyinwa Okoli is a Board Member and Non-Executive Director of Prospa Capital Microfinance Bank Ltd, a financial technology strategist, and a banking executive with over two decades of experience in digital payments, identity management, and cybersecurity policy review. She has advised fintech industry bodies on regulatory frameworks, participated in national cybersecurity consultations, and led large-scale digital transformation projects in the African banking sector.
