The Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, has initiated cutring-edge initiatives within one year which have driven Nigeria’s National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment to a record-breaking 115 million.

Coker-Odusote who was represented at a two-day roundtable with Online Newspaper Publishers in Abuja on Tuesday,
by the Director, ICT/Identity Data Base; Engr. Lanre Yusuf said the deployment of 800 mobile enrolment devices and establishment of territorial offices across the country, thereby reducing the time hitherto used to enrol Nigerians has contributed to motivating Nigerians to enrol.

She said the elimination of extortions in the name of registration and printing of NIN slip by licensees have also encouraged many Nigerians to identify with the mandate of the Commission, thereby increasing enrolment. She said there are targeted Initiative like enrolment of students before participation in JAMB and Senior Secondary school Certificate Examinations have helped to improve enrolment of Nigerians.

She also said the prioritisation of staff welfare through the clearance of two years’ backlog of payments owed to Front-End Partners (FEPs), a feat achieved in her first year as the substantive head of the commission, has further motivated the staff to put their best towards the attainment of identity for every Nigerians.

The NIMC Director General lauded aimed efforts at fostering inclusivity, strengthening inter-agency collaboration, and expanding access to NIMC services as part of the reasons behind the sudden surge in registration for national identity.

In her words, “We have taken deliberate steps to ensure effective service delivery by modernizing infrastructure and clearing backlogs. These measures are part of a larger vision to create an inclusive and robust identity system that benefits every Nigerian.”

On collaboration with other agencies who require the use of NIN, Coker-Odusote said NIMC has strengthened inter-agency collaboration by integrating the NIN with key agencies such as the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). She said Technological advancements, including an upgraded NIMS Middleware and a forthcoming NIN authentication app, promise enhanced data security and citizen control over personal information in compliance with national data protection regulations.

She further revealed that the reintroduction of the General Multipurpose Card (GMPC) with advanced applets by NIMC for secure payments and multi-functional use cases marks a significant leap in fostering financial inclusion. The Commission according to her is working with banks to ensure financial inclusion. The card is now a vital tool for accessing essential services locally and internationally.

“NIMC has leveraged the NIN to enhance financial inclusion, linking it with initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and grants under the Ministry of Agriculture. So far, Over 3 million farmers and 800,000 MSMEs have benefitted from verified NINs, ensuring transparency and equitable distribution of resources.

“The commission has also integrated NIN with critical national initiatives, including SIM card registration, digital health programs, and youth development projects, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive governance and national security,” she stated.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE), Mr. Martins Odiete, commended NIMC for its proactive approach in fostering this collaboration and recognized the importance of leveraging online platforms in delivering public policies to their intended audiences.

According to him, “Online is the new engagement ground if public policies must reach the intended audience. NIMC, with the entire nation as its scope, has found a worthy ally in ACOE.”

“The commission will get more than enough value for its partnership with our association. Together, we will amplify NIMC’s achievements, educate the public, and ensure the success of its mission,” he added.

Looking ahead, Coker-Odusote outlined plans to adopt advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence for identity verification, expand enrolment centres, and deepen the integration of NIN into various sectors. She also reaffirmed her zero-tolerance stance for corruption, ensuring that NIMC operates transparently and in alignment with global best practices.

The DG expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and to the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project for its support in driving NIMC’s vision. She urged online publishers to join hands with NIMC in building a secure and inclusive digital identity system that empowers every Nigerian.