The Federal Government has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing the national identity system, calling for full support for the National Identity Management Commission to speed up digital identity enrolment and reforms.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, stated that Nigerians would need to use the National Identification Number to access social services, including palliatives for the poor and vulnerable.
Akume, represented by Professor Babatunde Bolaji, made the remarks during the opening of an inter-ministerial retreat on the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Project in Lagos.
He stated that the administration of President Bola Tinubu prioritizes digital identity and called for enhanced inter-agency collaboration to strengthen the system.
“The provision of a verifiable digital identity for all Nigerians is a cardinal focus of this administration,” Akume said. “Government agencies must support NIMC to establish a robust and inclusive identity system.”
The ID4D project, supported by the World Bank, aims to improve Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem by expanding NIN enrolment and ensuring its integration with government services.
Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Tanko Sununu, also backed the initiative, stating that his ministry would work closely with NIMC to make the NIN the primary identifier for social interventions.
Meanwhile, NIMC Director-General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, represented by the Commission’s Technical Assistant on Policy and Partnerships, Ayobami Abiola, reassured stakeholders of NIMC’s commitment to providing a reliable digital identity system.
“The enthusiasm and collaboration at this retreat reaffirm our dedication to repositioning the national identity system,” she said.
