The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) says it is working to ensure that Nigerians within and outside the country enjoy a seamless registration process for the National Identification Number (NIN).
Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the acting director-general of the
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), stated this in a statement made
available to BusinessDay in Abuja, on Friday
She also stated that NIN registration was free for all
eligible citizens and reaffirmed the commission’s resolve to ensure
accessibility for all Nigerians in line with global best standards.
The acting DG, who was recently appointed by President Bola
Tinubu, also gave her words on a comprehensive national identity system that
will streamline government services and enhance service delivery.
“A unified identity system ensures that citizens receive the
services they are entitled to in a more efficient manner.
“Under my watch, NIMC will strengthen the operation and
regulation of all matters related to national identity which encompasses
services such as NIN enrolment and issuance, national e-ID card issuance,
identity verification as well as data harmonisation and authentication.
“It should be noted that in the digital age, integrated
identity is the backbone of e-governance initiatives as It provides an enabling
environment for key government programmes of social safety net, financial
inclusion, as well as for companies that want to provide innovative products
and services to people.
“An integrated identity system will strengthen the
government’s fiscal management; promote good governance and transparency
through inclusivity and social equality, as it ensures that marginalised and
vulnerable populations are not excluded from government services”.
The DG acknowledged the challenges millions of Nigerians had
faced for several months, during NIN enrolment and pledged that all issues,
including long processing time and administrative errors, would be fully
addressed and resolved.
She also called for the understanding and support of all
stakeholders within Nigeria’s digital identity space and reiterated that the
commission was committed to speeding up the issuance of NINs and the provision
of other ancillary services to the citizenry.
Coker-Odusote added that NIMC was devoted to supporting the
policy direction of the Bola Tinubu administration by strengthening the
issuance of NIN in line with the president’s pledge to lift more Nigerians out
of poverty, improve food security, drive economic growth and enhance security.