The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has announced plans to work out modalities on how to harmonise all the various identity systems for seamless and efficient service delivery in the country.
According to him, the discussion for the harmonization would involve all the relevant stakeholders concerned, ranging from the INEC, Banks, FRSC, NPC, Immigration, NCC, etc. with the NIMC as a statutory body empowered by law to achieve the target in no distant future.
The Minister disclosed this recently at the 5th Identity Day commemoration held at ICC, Abuja with the theme: Identity As Catalyst for Nigeria’s Development ” – Examining the Role of Identity in Key Government Programs of Social Safety Net, Financial Inclusion, promotion of Good Governance and Transparency.
Ojo said the harmonization and management of national identity was what the country needed now as a major means of mitigating and controlling crime as well as for national development.
Speaking on the theme, he said, the theme as a catalyst to Nigeria’s development underscored the importance of ID management on nation-building, saying that identity remains key in everyday lives, which is why it is commemorated on this Day every year.
Looking at the progress made so far in ensuring digital identity inclusion for everyone, the minister said future solutions can be put in place to ensure better lives for the citizens and legal residents of Nigeria.
“We live in the modern digital age where a secure and verifiable identity is vital for any set system to work.
“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.
He urged all stakeholders to join hands in ensuring the successful implementation of positive policies regarding national identity as it affects government’s social safety net and financial inclusion programmes.
The ID Day is all about setting a day out nationally and internationally in commemoration and appreciation of the real value of ownership of verifiable identity in everyday life.
In her address, Acting Director General/CEO of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote said harmonization of all the various identity systems remains a top priority in her agenda as CEO of NIMC.
She said the decision by President Tinubu to appoint her as the Acting Director General/CEO of NIMC, “is a profound testament to the President’s unwavering faith in the Commission’s recent achievements and his optimistic outlook on our future endeavors”.
“Identity is more than a mere card or a number; it symbolizes our existence, our entitlements, and our place within society. It unlocks access to essential services, social benefits, and pathways to personal and economic growth. It stands as a testament to our individuality while serving as a bridge to our shared humanity.
“We firmly believe that access to a reliable identity is not a privilege but a fundamental right. It serves as the cornerstone upon which we can build a more inclusive, secure, and prosperous society.” She concluded.
In addition, NIMC DG said in the face of emerging technologies and evolving threats, NIMC would remain vigilant in safeguarding the integrity and security of identity systems. While embracing digital transformation, we must prioritize the principles of privacy and data protection.