The Acting Director General/CEO of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote has said that reliable Identity is not only a privilege but a fundamental right for all Nigerians.
She stated this on Saturday at the 5th National Identity Day ceremony in Abuja.
Engr. Coker-Odusote said that that the Commission is determined to exceed its current database of over 100 million NIN enrolments.
“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.
“Nigeria’s journey towards a robust Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is emblematic of its commitment to harnessing the power of digital technology for the betterment of its citizens, especially in providing social services”.
She further said, “So as we continue to develop our DPI, we have to keep in mind that it holds the potential to transform lives, improve public services, and drive inclusive growth in a vast country as ours in such a way that we would be seen as a prominent player in Africa’s digital revolution.
“However, addressing existing challenges and ensuring equitable access to digital resources will be key to realizing these potentials, she stated.
In his remark, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, has urged for data harmonization as Nigeria celebrates its 5th National Identity Day.
He said, “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.
“As a member of the Ministry of Interior family, NIMC joins in with other sister agencies in not only improving access by the general public to services like passport acquisition and renewal but also the likes of efficient border security technology, effective handling of insecurity around the country, protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, reformation and reintegration of rehabilitated offenders in the society as well as improved emergency and fire response times.
“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.
The event witnessed the launching of the self-service online solution and the presentation of the ID Day Competition Awards to the winners at the tertiary and secondary school levels.
