In a significant stride towards national identity consolidation, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has marked a milestone, capturing 107.3 million Nigerians in its database, each assigned a unique National Identity Number (NIN). Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the Director-General of NIMC, announced this development, highlighting the ongoing efforts to synchronize identity data across government agencies for the establishment of a Central Identity Database.
Collaboration is key, and NIMC has forged partnerships with various institutions, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, Central Bank of Nigeria, banks, telecom companies, Federal Road Safety Corps, and the Nigerian Communications Commission, among others.
During a press briefing at the NIMC headquarters in Abuja, Odusote emphasized the transformative potential of a unified identity system for Nigeria, envisioning it as a catalyst for national growth and development.
"Fragmented identity systems hinder progress. Nigeria requires a centralized approach to identity management," Odusote stressed, outlining NIMC's infrastructure upgrades to accommodate an expanded capacity of up to 250 million individuals within the next 6 to 9 months.
In addition to its core mandate of identity management, NIMC is actively engaged in combating cybercrimes and other security threats. Collaborative efforts with key stakeholders, including security agencies and anti-corruption bodies, aim to safeguard citizens against fraudulent activities.
Addressing concerns about accessibility, Odusote clarified that the acquisition of the new multipurpose national identity card would involve a nominal fee payable through financial institutions. This card, facilitating access to digital services and promoting financial inclusion, underscores NIMC's commitment to modernization.
Applicants can conveniently request their NIN through an online portal or designated banks, with NIN registration remaining free for all citizens. Moreover, NIMC's collaboration with government agencies ensures the efficient utilization of identity data for service delivery and accountability.
States like Jigawa, Lagos, Kaduna, and Delta are actively participating as Front End Partners in identity registration initiatives, with media support enlisted to raise awareness among the populace.
As NIMC continues to advance its mission of identity consolidation, Nigeria moves closer to realizing the transformative potential of a unified national identity system.
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