By Adewole Kehinde, Abuja
When in July 2020 that the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) was relocated from office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation to the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, I knew the headway has come for the National Identification Number and the welfare of the Commission’s staff.
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) established by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, the NIMC has the mandate to establish, own, operate, maintain and manage the National Identity Database in Nigeria, register persons covered by the Act, assign a Unique National Identification Number (NIN) and issue General Multi-Purpose Cards (GMPC) to those who are citizens of Nigeria as well as others legally residing within the country.
The NIMC Act 2007 provides for the establishment of the NIMC, its functions, powers, establishment of the National Identity Database, assignment and use of General Multi-purpose cards, and the National Identification Number (NIN). The Act also provides the Commission with powers to make regulations connected with its functions. The NIMC Act 2007 provides the repeal of the law that created the former Department of National Civic Registration (DNCR) and the transfer of its assets and liabilities to the NIMC.
The Commission is committed to promoting the highest standard of ethical behaviour among its management and employees. Our core values emphasize Transparency, Promptness, Integrity, Excellence and Professionalism.
What is National Identification Number?
The National Identification Number (NIN) is a set of numbers assigned to an individual upon successful enrolment. Enrolment consists of the recording of an individual’s demographic data and capture of the ten (10) fingerprints, head-to-shoulder facial picture and digital signature, which are all used to cross-check existing data in the National Identity Database to confirm that there is no previous entry of the same data.
Once this process is completed the data is then stored with a unique NIN that was assigned to it. The NIN once issued to a person cannot be used again, (that is, it cannot be issued to another person even if the previous person is dead). It is the NIN that helps to tie all records about a person in the database and is used to check the identity verified.
The National Identification Number (NIN) consists of 11 non- intelligible numbers randomly chosen and assigned to an individual at the completion of enrolment into the National Identity Database (NIDB).
Once a NIN is assigned to an individual, it can never be reassigned, given or used by another person – that makes it unique in nature.
In the case of the demise of an individual, his/her NIN is retired once a death certificate is presented to the Commission and the individual’s death is established.
The NIN is used to tie all records about an individual in the database and is also used to establish or verify his/her identity.
All citizens and legal residents in Nigeria, from age zero (birth) and above are eligible to enroll for their NINs.
The NIN should be closely guarded by individuals and not revealed to all and sundry except to relevant authorities when requested (for instance it shouldn’t be disclosed online over social media and should not be printed along with contact details on business cards or other office stationery).
Who are those eligible For NIN?
It is mandatory for every citizen and legal resident to enroll for the National Identification Number (NIN). The process is the same whether you choose the self-service or you require an assisted service.
Minors are not issued with the National Identity cards until they attain the age of 16.
How do I collect the NIN?
At the completion of the enrolment process, applicant will be issued two (2) slips: (a) Transaction Slip (b) NIN Slip indicating completion of enrolment. Also the digital Identity card can be obtained via the Apps on Google Stores on any Android phones.
The NIN is needed so that people can identify us especially in emergency cases.
The National Identification Number (NIN) is the unique number which identifies us for life and is issued to us by NIMC after our enrolment.
It is used to match us with our biometric data and other details in the National Identity Database during verification and authentication.
The NIN can also be used for obtaining your National e-ID card; travel (international passport application & acquisition); opening personal bank accounts; getting your driver’s license; obtaining our Permanent Voters’ Card; participating in the National Health Insurance Scheme; payment of your taxes; transactions related to your contributory pension scheme; access to welfare and other relevant services from the Nigerian Government; transactions with social security implications; land transactions subject to the Land Use Act and any other transactions NIMC may so prescribe and list in the Federal Government Gazette.
NIMC is engaged in harmonization and integration of data with various agencies across Nigeria who deals with the various services above to ensure smooth coordination of activities.
It is based on the above that I say that the National Identity Number has come to stay even as the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy is already looking into the welfare of the Commission’s staff.
• Additional information from NIMC Website
