The Federal Government revealed that going forward, obtaining a National Identity Number (NIN) will be essential for citizens to avail themselves of social services.
Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), indicated that the underprivileged and at-risk populations will require the NIN to qualify for palliatives.
During the opening of an Inter-Ministerial retreat focused on the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, Akume made this announcement.
Speaking through Prof Babatunde Bolaji, the SGF emphasized that ensuring digital identity for all Nigerians is a fundamental priority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He called upon all governmental agencies to lend their support to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in creating a comprehensive and inclusive national identity framework.
Kayode Adegoke, the Head of the Corporate Communications Unit at NIMC, elaborated in a statement that the SGF also praised the NIMC Director-General, Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, for her unwavering dedication to the Commission’s objectives.
The SGF, who also chairs the Project Ecosystem Steering Committee (PESC) of the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project, assured the DG of his commitment to assist the Commission in implementing reforms to enhance its role through the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Project.
Likewise, Tanko Sununu, the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, commended the leadership of NIMC and the ID4D team for their accomplishments to date.
He reiterated his Ministry’s cooperation with NIMC to guarantee that the NIN is utilized for accessing social services and palliatives designated for vulnerable groups across the nation.
The NIMC DG/CEO, represented by Ayobami Abiola, the Technical Assistant on Policy and Partnerships, expressed gratitude to the SGF and the Minister. She reassured the PESC members of the Commission’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate.
“The enthusiasm and teamwork demonstrated at this retreat are genuinely uplifting,” remarked the NIMC Director-General, who also serves as the Secretary of the PESC.
“Our conversations today have not only showcased our successes but also set the stage for creative solutions to the challenges ahead.
“We are confident that with ongoing inter-agency collaboration and backing from all vital stakeholders, we will accelerate our mission to enhance the national identity system, making it more resilient and inclusive, ensuring every Nigerian and legal resident possesses a verifiable digital identity and that no one is overlooked,” she added.
The retreat drew the attendance of key members from the Project Ecosystem Steering Committee and other strategic partners, who assessed the progress of the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project, celebrated significant achievements, and had in-depth conversations to tackle implementation obstacles.