NIMC Applauds Association of Corporate Online Editors for Boosting NIN Awareness and Agency’s Mandate
Oru Leonard
The Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, has commended the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) for its pivotal role in promoting awareness of the National Identification Number (NIN) and supporting the Commission’s mandate.
The Director-General gave the commendation during a courtesy visit by ACOE executives to NIMC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, describing the association’s strategic media partnership as invaluable to the agency’s ongoing reforms and nationwide enrollment drive.
Speaking through senior directors, including the Director of Human Capital Management, Mrs. Rhoda Jackden, the DG highlighted key achievements recorded under her leadership. These include improvements in staff welfare, administrative reforms, and a significant increase in NIN enrollment figures nationwide.
According to her, NIMC has intensified efforts to deepen enrollment at the ward level to ensure that every Nigerian is registered and issued a NIN, which has become essential for accessing government services.
“This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen service delivery and ensure inclusive governance,” she stated, noting that the ward-level enrollment initiative was officially launched on February 16, 2026, in collaboration with Front-End Partners (FEPs).
Mrs. Jackden disclosed that over 3,700 staff members underwent training in the past year across various cadres, including management development programmes, to enhance operational efficiency. She added that the Commission remains committed to staff welfare, training, and capacity building to ensure effective service delivery.
The DG also expressed appreciation to ACOE for conferring on her the Exemplary Public Service Delivery Award at the association’s inaugural Public Lecture and Award ceremony in November.
ACOE Commends Digital Identity Milestones
Earlier, ACOE Chairman, Sola Akingboye, lauded the transformative leadership of Engr. Coker-Odusote since her appointment in 2023, describing her tenure as a defining period in Nigeria’s digital identity evolution.
He noted that NIN enrollment has surpassed 120 million, significantly expanding Nigeria’s national identity database. He also cited operational reforms that reportedly reduced extortion and unauthorised fees at enrollment centres by 40 percent, restoring public confidence in the system.
Other milestones highlighted by ACOE include:
Clearance of a two-year backlog of payments owed to Front-End Partners.
Deployment of over 800 mobile enrollment devices to underserved communities.
Installation of more than 2,500 new systems to modernise infrastructure and improve efficiency.
Promotion of over 3,000 staff members and implementation of a 25–30 percent salary increase, alongside welfare initiatives such as transportation and food support programmes.
Akingboye reaffirmed ACOE’s commitment to ethical journalism and responsible digital storytelling, pledging continued support in amplifying NIMC’s reforms and educating Nigerians on the importance of NIN enrollment and compliance.
“In today’s digital age, perception shapes policy impact. Our editors are equipped to translate technical reforms into citizen-focused narratives that build trust and encourage participation,” he said.
He further requested regular media engagements with the Commission’s leadership and guided tours of selected facilities to enhance transparency and accurate reporting.
As part of the visit’s highlights, the Director-General was presented with ACOE’s symbolic muffler — a gesture the association described as a mark of honour and inclusion reserved for distinguished individuals.
The meeting was attended by senior NIMC officials, including the Director of Media and Communications, Dr. Kayode Adegoke; Director of the Office of the DG, Mr. Elvis Alagbegbe; Director of Human Capital Management, Mrs. Rhoda Jackden; Head of Content, Halima Lawal; and members of the ACOE delegation led by their chairman.
Both organisations reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity system to support governance, economic growth, and national inclusion.
