….As Interior Minister mulls data harmonization

From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has introduced an online self service solution to allow citizens register and enroll for National Identity Numbers (NIN) from the comfort of their homes.

NIMC Director General, Engr. Abisoye Odusote said the innovation was to make registration easier for Nigerians.

Odusote disclosed this at the 5th Identity Day Commemoration organised by the Commission over the weekend in Abuja.

According to her, “We are trying to increase the turn around time of registration. I have received a lot of complaints from the average Nigerian about going to register for a NIN. They complain that it takes them a long time to enroll and it also takes them a long time to get feedback after registration has been completed.

“So, what we are trying to do at NIMC is to ensure that we create an ease of access for you to be able to register in the comfort of your own home, if you have access to a digital or technological tool. If you don’t, you can approach the NIMC office or any of our partners that are in your neighborhood.

“So, we are trying to bridge that gap. You know that there is a rising cost in things. So, rather than spend 1,000 Naira to go to an office to register, you can do it from the comfort of your home.

The DG noted that 102 million Nigerians have been successfully captured on the NIMC database so far.

On his part, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the ministry was working to achieve data harmonization within all relevant institutions of government.

He claimed that a key strategy for reducing and managing crime as well as fostering national development would be the harmonisation and regulation of national identity.

Tunji-Ojo pointed out that the purpose of National Identity Day was to evaluate the nation’s progress with National Identity Management.

“Think about it: you can’t access bank services and get ATM cards without proving your Identity. You can’t even engage with others on online social media platforms without first verifying your Identity. So, Identity is key in our everyday lives, which is why we commemorate this Day today.

“I have stated that the harmonization and management of national Identity is a major means of mitigating and controlling crime as well as for national development. With a database of over 100 million National Identification Numbers in the National Identity Database, NIDB, NIMC provided essential access to attaining this goal along with other major stakeholders.

“It is fitting then that the theme for today is Identity as a Catalyst for Nigeria’s development. We are all stakeholders in ensuring the successful implementation of positive policies regarding national Identity as it affects government social safety net and financial inclusion programmes”, he stated.

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