This partnership is aligned with the Renewed Hope Mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and seeks to integrate the National Identification Number (NIN) registration process into the programme.

Revealed in a statement signed by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, the partnership aims to “ensure that every school child is enrolled and assigned a National Identification Number (NIN).”

This move, as noted, is designed to promote inclusive access to the school feeding programme, enhance transparency, and promote accountability.

Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the director-general and CEO of NIMC, will work closely with Princess Aderemi Adebowale, the National Programme Manager of the Renewed Hope NHGSF initiative, to ensure the programme’s seamless implementation. 

The statement reiterated the importance of this partnership, describing it as “a pivotal step toward ensuring the effective implementation of the school feeding initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

Dr. Kayode Adegoke also noted: “By integrating the NIN registration process into the school feeding program, the partnership underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to improving educational and nutritional outcomes for children while advancing the Digital Public Infrastructure in Nigeria.”

The initiative is expected to greatly boost sustainable development and equitable access to essential services for children. It aligns with NIMC’s mission of leveraging its expertise in identity management to support nationwide development efforts.

The statement further emphasised: “The NIMC remains dedicated to leveraging its expertise in identity management to drive sustainable development and equitable access to essential services for all Nigerians.”

This collaboration will ensure the government’s focus on improving education and nutrition, as well as strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure through the implementation of NIN among school-aged children is achieved without limitations.

In a recent statement, NIMC emphasized that these entities would undergo comprehensive security vetting to adhere to global best practices in identity management.

This initiative aligns with the vision of NIMC’s Director-General/CEO, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, who has prioritized data security and regulatory compliance since assuming office in August 2023. The commission is collaborating with relevant security agencies to maintain the highest standards in data protection.

NIMC has temporarily stopped the bypass enrollment process to prevent misuse and address irregularities. The commission plans to update the public on the resumption of this process once the necessary adjustments are made.

In response to numerous reports of fraudulent platforms soliciting personal information for National Identification Number (NIN) modification or enrollment services, NIMC has authorized law enforcement agencies to stop and apprehend those involved in online phishing schemes. 

“The commission has received numerous reports regarding fraudulent online platforms compelling Nigerians to submit their personal information for National Identification Number (NIN) modification or enrollment services, noting that perpetrators of these illegal activities will be apprehended and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.” stated Kayode Adegoke, NIMC’s Head of Corporate Communications.

NIMC’s enhanced security measures are designed to safeguard the National Identity Database from unauthorized access and insider threats. Any FEPs found in violation of these protocols will face strict sanctions under national laws and established regulations.

Earlier this year, a major breach involving the website XpressVerify.com exposed the vulnerabilities in data protection. The site had unrestricted access to NIMC’s database and sold digital identity numbers and personal information for a nominal fee, prompting investigations by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission.

As part of ongoing efforts to enhance the national digital ID program, Engr. Coker-Odusote recently engaged with the Senate Committee on National Identity and National Population to discuss challenges and strategies for improving enrollment processes.

Through these measures, NIMC is fighting to protect citizens’ data and provide secure identity services, ensuring a solid framework for Nigeria’s digital identity infrastructure.

In a notice on its website, NIMC stressed that the revalidation of the FEPs license is part of its commitment to ensuring the highest standards of data security and compliance.

“We require all Front End Partners to periodically revalidate their licenses”, according to the noticed signed by Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Acting Director General/CEO of NIMC.

“As part of NIMC’s ongoing efforts to enhance the security, efficiency, and accuracy of the National Identity Management System, it has been decided that all Front End Partners (FEPs) must undergo a revalidation process for their licenses. This revalidation process is mandatory for all current partners and is intended to ensure compliance with the latest standards and protocols.

“The revalidation process will include a thorough review of your organization’s operations, technical infrastructure, and compliance with NIMC’s policies and guidelines. It is essential to demonstrate that your organization continues to meet the required standards to effectively participate in the enrolment of Nigerian citizens/legal residents and related services.

Key Details of the NIMC FEPS Revalidation Process

The FEPs are required to submit the following documents for revalidation:

• Current Business Registration Certificate (CAC).
• Updated Company Profile.
• Copy of the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
• Evidence of fees paid to acquire a license.
• Tax Clearance Certificate for the past three years.
• Evidence of compliance with NIMC’s technical specifications.
• Provide proof of training and capacity building for your staff involved in the identity enrollment process.
• Total NIN registered.
• LLC’s should provide the list of sub-licensees registered under them.

Techeconomy gathered that the revalidation process commenced on Friday, 29 September 2023 with documentation submitted via the email: feprevalidation@nimc.gov.ng.