By Emmanuel Daudu-Abuja
The National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, in collaboration with the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development, NigeriaID4D project, flags off a 2-day roundtable discussion with online publishers with the theme, “building formidable bridges with the digital media ecosystem” .
The workshop which was flagged of on the 28th of November 2024 in Abuja, targets innovative strategies for improving public awareness and participation in the National Identification Number (NIN) enrollment process across the federation.
The Director-General of NIMC, Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote, represented by Engr. Lanre Yusuf, Director Information Technology and Identity Database (IT/IDD) talked on importance of engaging online media as a pivotal step in strengthening the country’s identity management ecosystem as he stressed on how in high esteem the commission holds the media, pointing out that more of the media support and collaboration is needed for the commission to achieve its aims and objectives.
He emphasized that digital media plays a crucial role in connecting with Nigerians, particularly the youth and underserved communities. “By leveraging these platforms, we can address enrollment disparities and ensure that every individual has access to educational opportunities, ultimately working towards inclusivity and ensuring that no one is left behind”.
While speaking further, Engr. Coker-Odusote, outlined a five point agenda of the present NIMC administration to include; Nationwide Inclusion to ensure access to National Identification Number (NIN) enrollment for all Nigerians, including those in remote and underserved areas, to promote inclusivity and leave no one behind; Data Integrity and Security to Improve processes to ensure the accuracy and security of the NIMC database, protecting it from errors and fraud; Decentralized Operations to expand operations to reach all corners of the country, bringing services closer to the people and enhancing the efficiency of enrollment processes.
Others are: Stakeholder Collaboration to Strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders such as the National Population Commission, Nigeria Immigration Service, and other entities involved in identity management to harmonize databases and ensure seamless service delivery; Capacity Building and Revalidation to enhance the capacity of Front-End Enrollment Partners (FEPs) and staff, revalidating the business model for fairness, and addressing outstanding payments to ensure operational sustainability.
He stressed that NIMC’s commitment to decentralizing operations, modernizing ICT systems, and strengthening partnerships with stakeholders and announced plans to introduce new technologies and streamline services to make the NIN enrollment process more accessible and user-friendly.
The Coordinator, Project Implementation Unit, Nigeria Digital ID4D Project, Mrs Tito Ejenavi stated that the 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.
According to her, the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Project is resilient in supporting the National Identity Management Commission in the drive to make our national identity system more robust, sustainable and inclusive.
“Part of our Mission is to assist NIMC in extending enrolment and identity issuance to all persons including the poor and marginalized groups of women, children, young girls, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees and migrants. Our mission is rooted in the principle of inclusion”, she added.
While discussing her paper, she pointed out that the roundtable discussion with the online publishers will provide an overview into the projects which include improving NIN registration coverage, harmonizing biometric databases across government agencies, and enhancing the efficiency of identity verification systems for national development for all Nigerians both in and outside the country as she Pointing out that by pointed out that online publishers, the NIMC aims to enhance public awareness and trust in the identification process, ensuring that citizens understand the benefits of digital identity for their interactions with government services and the economy.
Moreover, participants emphasized the need for creating user-friendly platforms that simplify the enrollment process and provide clear guidance on how to obtain a NIN. This includes enhancing mobile accessibility and leveraging social media channels to reach a broader audience. The initiative also aims to foster partnerships with tech companies to develop innovative solutions that bridge the gap between potential enrollees and enrollment centers.
In line with these discussions, the importance of proactive communication strategies was highlighted, focusing on transparency and responsiveness to public concerns. By addressing misconceptions and providing timely updates, NIMC can build a more informed citizenry that is empowered to participate in national identity efforts.
Ultimately, this initiative not only seeks to bolster national security by establishing a robust digital identity framework but also aims to stimulate economic growth through increased accessibility to services and opportunities tied to having a secure identification. Through collaborative efforts and the strategic use of technology, the NIMC is committed to creating a more inclusive environment for all Nigerians.
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