President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for its progress in identity management, as enrolment in the National Identity Database surpasses 126 million.

Speaking at the National Day of Identity celebration in Abuja on Tuesday, the President—represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, described the milestone as a major step towards building a secure and inclusive digital identity system for Nigeria.

He highlighted NIMC’s recent achievements, including clearing a backlog of 2.5 million enrolments, expanding services across the country and in the diaspora, and integrating the National Identification Number (NIN) into key sectors such as health, education, agriculture, social welfare, and security.

NIMC Director-General, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, disclosed that 123 million Nigerians are already captured in the database, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16.9, which seeks to ensure legal identity for all. She added that diaspora enrolment has increased by 52 percent, while partnerships with more than 50 public and private organisations have broadened access to identity services.

Outlining NIMC’s strategy, Coker-Odusote said the commission is anchored on three pillars, inclusion, protection, and empowerment. She assured Nigerians that the database remains secure despite rumours of breaches, and emphasised ongoing efforts to strengthen cybersecurity and expand enrolment nationwide.

President Tinubu also noted that the database’s capacity has been upgraded from 100 million to 250 million records, supported by over 1,500 enrolment devices across Nigeria and more than 200 centres abroad. He revealed that special enrolments have been carried out for refugees, internally displaced persons, and correctional facility inmates.

On security, he disclosed that over 30 fraudulent operators have been arrested, illegal centres shut down, and phishing sites dismantled. He further applauded NIMC’s ISO 27001:2022 certification for data protection, describing it as proof of compliance with global standards.

To enhance service delivery, Tinubu said NIMC has introduced a High Availability Verification Service with 99.9 percent uptime, modernised customer support tools, and improved staff welfare with promotions and salary reviews for over 2,800 personnel.

Reiterating the centrality of identity to his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the President stressed that the NIN is crucial for delivering social welfare programmes, student loans, agricultural subsidies, financial inclusion, effective national planning, and eliminating ghost beneficiaries from government initiatives.

“The NIN is more than just a number—it is a gateway to opportunity, security, and dignity,” Tinubu said. “Behind these enrolments are workers claiming pensions without fear of fraud, students accessing loans with ease, farmers receiving targeted incentives, and displaced persons obtaining humanitarian support. This is the true power of identity, and this is the progress we celebrate.”

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has intercepted a consignment containing seven (7) pouches of cannabis concealed inside a duvet cover that arrived in Lagos from Thailand.

The shipment originated from Bangkok, Thailand, and was addressed to a recipient in Lagos. Details of the sender and receiver have been withheld as investigations are ongoing by the appropriate Security Agencies.

This interception underscores our continued commitment to transforming the postal industry into a secure, reliable, and trusted channel of communication and commerce. It demonstrates NIPOST’s determination to protect the public from the dangers of illicit substances while safeguarding the integrity of the postal network.

The matter has been referred to the relevant Security Agencies for further action.

In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, NIPOST reaffirms its zero-tolerance for the use of its network for illicit and illegal activities. We remain resolute in safeguarding the integrity of our operations and assure the public of our unwavering commitment to ensuring that the postal industry continues to serve as a catalyst for national security, economic growth, and public trust.

…..Ali Al Hashemi Appointed Chair of GSOA Board; Adel Al-Saleh and Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen Named Vice Chairs

GSOA is delighted to announce the appointment of Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Space Services at Space42, as its new Chair of the Board, alongside two new Vice Chairs: Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of SES, and Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, CEO of NIGCOMSAT.

GSOA represents the full satellite ecosystem, from established operators to emerging innovators across all orbits and frequency bands. In an era of accelerating digital transformation, satellite technology has become a critical enabler of innovation, sustainability, and social inclusion – helping to connect the unconnected, power digital economies, and deliver resilient communications in even the most remote or underserved regions.

Ali Al Hashemi, new Chair and CEO of Space Services, Space42, said, “This is deeply meaningful to me personally and professionally. Having served as Vice Chair of GSOA since 2023, this election reflects the trust and confidence my fellow industry leaders have placed in me and our region’s contributions to global satellite innovation. I am honored by this responsibility and excited to build on GSOA’s incredible foundation. Our region has always been at the crossroads of innovation and connection, and I’m thrilled to bring that perspective to an industry that literally connects our world.”

Adel Al-Saleh, new Vice Chair and CEO of SES added: “The satellite industry is going through unprecedented transformation, driven by multi-orbit architectures, cloud integration, and growing demand for low-latency and resilient networks. GSOA’s leadership in helping shape regulatory frameworks and policy dialogue is critical, and I look forward to contributing to this important work.”

Jane Egerton-Idehen, new Vice Chair and CEO of NIGCOMSAT, emphasised the power of satellite to deliver equitable digital access. “In emerging markets, satellite is often the only viable solution to bridge the digital divide. I am proud to help bring diverse perspectives to the global conversation and support GSOA in promoting inclusive and sustainable connectivity,” she affirms.

Under its new leadership, GSOA will continue to advocate for fair spectrum access, balanced regulatory policies, and responsible use of space. The association is actively engaged in global fora to promote sustainable practices, protect orbital environments, and ensure satellite services remain a key pillar of resilient infrastructure worldwide.

Isabelle Mauro, Director General of GSOA, welcomed the appointments, stating: “Ali, Adel, and Jane bring unique insights and leadership at a time when global collaboration across the ecosystem is more important than ever. GSOA’s role is to unite the satellite industry to speak with one voice to promote the essential value we bring to society, from emergency response and climate monitoring to universal broadband access.”

GSOA is committed to advancing a connected, innovative, and sustainable future — and ensuring that the satellite industry continues to serve as a cornerstone of the global digital economy.

About GSOA

GSOA is the leading global CEO-driven association representing Communication and Earth Observation satellite operators in GEO, MEO and LEO orbits, manufacturers, launch providers, ground segment players and other stakeholders from the entire satellite ecosystem. It serves as the premier platform for industry collaboration, addressing global challenges, unlocking opportunities, and advocating with a unified voice for the satellite sector.
GSOA advocates for satellite technology’s critical role in global connectivity, providing strategic insights, facilitating partnerships, and driving initiatives that enhance its role in global infrastructure. Through exclusive networking opportunities, regulatory engagement, and market intelligence, our members benefit from a dynamic platform for growth.

Recognised as the global representative body for the satellite industry, GSOA engages with regulators, policymakers, and global organisations like 3GPP, DIFI, ITU, and WEF and regional organisations to shape the future of connectivity, and focus in bridging digital and economic divides across both developed and emerging economies. For more details contact GSOA.