Engineer Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the director general/chief executive officer, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has reassured Nigerians that enrolment for the National Identification Number (NIN) is free of charge in Nigeria.
The reassurance was contained in the DG’s remark at a two-day roundtable with publishers of online newspapers in Nigeria, held in Lagos, stating, however, there may be fees for modifications to adults’ NINs, such as updating a field for N500, except for changes in date of birth (DoB) which costs note more than N15,000.
Speaking through Dr Alvan Ikoku, head, Strategy and Programme Office at NIMC, said that the mandate of NIMC is ambitious, yet crucial hence the Commission views the media as critical stakeholders for effective mobilization of citizens through strategic communication”.
“In the digital age, the influence of online media cannot be overstated. The internet has become a primary source of information for many, particularly the youth.
“However, it is also a breeding ground for misinformation and rumours, which can severely impact the reputation and trust in organizations.
“Our focus today is to address the dual role of online publishers – as key partners in disseminating accurate information and as potential sources of misconceptions.
“We recognize that while you have the power to amplify our successes, there is also the potential for misunderstandings that can spread rapidly”.
Engr. Coker-Odusote highlighted that the roundtable aimed at forging a partnership that leverages the publishers’ strengths to support NIMC’s mission while ensuring that any misconceptions are promptly and accurately addressed.
“The mandate of NIMC is ambitious, yet crucial. Achieving these goals requires effective mobilization of citizens through strategic communication.
“Pursuant to our commitment to transparency and accountability, we have instituted robust mechanisms for participation, grievance redress, and regular monitoring to enhance operational performance and mitigate social risks.
“Our grievance redress system includes a centralized grievance register, a contact centre, and multiple channels for submitting complaints.
“This system ensures that queries are addressed promptly, problems with implementation are resolved efficiently, and complaints from ecosystem partners are effectively managed”.
The DG reiterated that NIMC under her 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”, she said.
She also reassured the online publishers of her commitment to the highest standards of professionalism in the implementation of NIMC’s mandate.
“My administration has zero tolerance for corruption. I hereby reiterate my commitment to sanitizing NIMC, in conformity with the mandate of Mr. President.
“Let me also use this medium to remind you all that enrolment for the National Identification Number (NIN) is free of charge in Nigeria.
“Over the next two days, you will be exposed to NIMC’s operations, strategy, activities, reforms, technical infrastructure upgrade, success stories and plans.
“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.
“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.
“I also use this medium to commend the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project for its numerous supports to NIMC and for making this Roundtable possible.
“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”.
Engr. Coker-Odusote also said they 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”, she said. “From persons with disability, to women and children, the elderly, and those in rural and hard to reach areas, we are determined to ensure that no one is left behind”.
Nodding in agreement with the DG, Tito Ejenavi, coordinator, Project Implementation Unit, Nigeria Digital ID4D Project, said the Project 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.
“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.
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.
“The foundational ID system that NIMC is building is not just about numbers; it’s about people and their access to rights and services”, Ejenavi said.
By strengthening the national identity infrastructure, she said that NIMC through its various projects aims to bolster Nigeria’s digital economy, enhance data protection, and close the inclusion gaps that hinder access to identification and related key services.
The two-day roundtable witnessed robust discussions on sensitizing and mobilizing more Nigerians for NIN enrolment, amongst other deliberations.
