In line with the mandate to provide accurate and dependable database for the country, the National Identity Management Commission has reiterated its commitment to the highest data security in the country.
The Director General, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote made this assertion over the weekend in the Lagos, during a 2-day round-table with Publishers of Online Newspapers.
According to the DG, “NIMC under my watch is committed to complying with all extant laws and regulations governing the protection of data in Nigeria.
“So far, we have done so much towards ensuring compliance with the highest standards of data security, sanitizing the system and processes, while ensuring the integrity of data on the country’s identity database. We shall not rest on our oars.”
Engr. Abisoye, who was represented by the Head Strategy & Program Office, Dr. Alvan Ikoku, assured of the commission’s commitment to eradicate corruption within the system.
“My administration has zero tolerance for corruption. I hereby reiterate my commitment to sanitizing NIMC, in conformity with the mandate of Mr. President,” she said.
She used the medium to remind all that enrolment for the National Identification Number (NIN) is free of charge in Nigeria.
The DG also commended the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project for its numerous supports to NIMC and for making this Roundtable possible.
She noted that, “Pursuant to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 16.9), which seeks to ensure that everyone on the earth planet has a form of identity by 2030, NIMC shall not rest, until every citizen of Nigeria (at home and in the diaspora) and legal resident are captured on the country’s identity database.
“We are also very deliberate about inclusion. A compelling strategy is already in place, with support from the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project to ensure that those that are at the risk of being excluded on Nigeria’s identity project are adequately covered.
“From persons with disability, to women and children, and those in rural and hard to reach areas, we are determined to ensure that no one is left behind.”
On the need for the roundtable meeting, she underlined the relevance of the online publisher as strategic stakeholders in ensuring that the public are properly informed.
She said, “As publishers of online newspapers, you are at the forefront of this effort. Your platforms are instrumental in educating the public about our activities, operations, and the benefits of a robust national identity management system.”
“Taking advantage of this meeting, we hope to provide you with comprehensive insights into NIMC’s activities, objectives, strategies, achievements, and challenges. This knowledge is vital for you to disseminate accurate information to the public.
“It is also expected that we discuss your roles in the forthcoming NIMC Ecosystem Enrolment exercise, ensuring you understand how you can contribute to this national effort.
“We are also deliberate about establishing a relationship that will help prevent misinformation about NIMC’s activities and clear up any existing misconceptions, thereby maintaining public trust.”
Speaking on the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project, the Coordinator, Project Implementation Unit, Tito Ejenavi explained that it is a (Nigerian) collaborative effort funded by the World Bank, the European Investment Bank, and the French Development Agency, with a singular objective: to increase the number of persons with a National Identity Number (NIN) through a robust and inclusive foundational identity system.
According to her, “This project is designed to facilitate access to essential services and, ultimately, to stimulate demand for these IDs based on the improved accessibility to services they enable.”
She explained that the mission is rooted in the principle of inclusion, saying, “Historically, identity systems have often inadvertently marginalized certain groups due to logistical challenges and social stigmas, particularly affecting women and persons with disabilities.
“We are committed to reversing this trend by ensuring that our ID system is inclusive, equitable, and accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of their socio-economic status, gender, or physical abilities.”
She added that the foundational ID system that NIMC is building is not just about numbers; it’s about people and their access to rights and services.
