Everyone Deserves a Means of Verifiable Identity- NIMC DG- NIMC DG
Oru Leonard
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, has emphasized that everyone deserves a means of verifiable identity.
The NIMC DG stated this at the 2nd Round table Discussion themed, “Building Trust in Digital Identity: Strengthening Media Partnerships for a Secure and Inclusive Ecosystem,”
Delivering the Keynote address was the Director of Research, Dr. Alvan Ikoku, the DG commended the vital role the media plays in shaping public discourse, promoting government transparency, and serving as a bridge between policy and the people.
Engr Coker-Odusite disclosed that over 122 million Nigerians have been enrolled in the National Identity Management System as of July 2025 from 72.7 million in 2022.
More achievements in less than two years include NIMC’s partnerships with government agencies, private sector organizations, and international organizations to enhance identity verification and service delivery like Strategic collaborations with critical MDAs such as NHIS, FIRS, JAMB, INEC, CBN, NCC, NCoS, FRSC, and PENCOM were showcased. These partnerships have streamlined identity verification processes across corrections, education, health, and pension services. NIN-enabled systems now support access to student loans (via NELFUND), agricultural subsidies, enterprise funding (SMEDAN, BOI), and workers’ compensation (NSITF), among others.
Key Institutional reforms include curtailing extortion and unofficial fees by 40%; transparent, standardized fee structure for modifications and authentication; and, payment of all backlog debts owed to enrolment partners
She said NIMC is empowering Nigerians through Digital Identity, adding that a secure and unified digital identity system can open access to student loans and educational resources, banking services, loans, and financial support.
Others are, Enterprise Support which creates opportunities for entrepreneurship and economic growth, access to government services and social benefits
Coker-Odusote urged the media to collaboratinv with NIMC in promoting digital identity awareness, bridging gaps in public awareness, and countering misinformation. By working together, NIMC and the media can build a robust, trusted, and inclusive identity system that leaves no one behind.
Speaking earlier, ACOE Chairman, Shola Akingboye thanks NIMC and DG Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote for a roundtable on digital identity, appreciating her commitment to public engagement and education. ACOE pledges unwavering media support for NIMC’s vision, upholding objectivity and accuracy, and thanks members for participating in the two-day discussion on building trust in digital identity and strengthening media partnerships for a secure ecosystem.
The event which brought together digital publishers, editors, and identity stakeholders to reflect on Nigeria’s progress in building a unified identity system and the critical role of the media in sustaining public awareness and accountability.
Technical presentations were delivered from senior NIMC officials as follows:
Dr. Alvan Ikoku delivered a lecture on Strategic Alliances with MDAs and the Implication for Inclusion
Mr. Elias Okafor, Director of IEU, presented on the Essence and Challenges of National Ecosystem Enrolment
Mrs. Uche Chigbo, South-East Zonal Director, discussed NIMC’s Operational Reforms and Innovations to Strengthen Systems and Personnel
By working together, NIMC and the media can build a robust, trusted, and inclusive identity system that leaves no one behind.
