NIMC Engages Online Editors, Discloses Record-Breaking 115 Million NIN Enrolments in One Year
Oru Leonard
In a remarkable achievement, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has successfully enrolled 115 million Nigerians for the National Identification Number (NIN) within one year under the leadership of Director General/CEO, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote.
This milestone was announced at a two-day roundtable with online newspaper publishers in Abuja, where Coker-Odusote highlighted the commission’s achievements, including the clearance of a two-year backlog of payments owed to Front-End Partners (FEPs).
Key Achievements Under Coker-Odusote’s Leadership
– NIN Enrolment Surge: NIMC deployed over 800 mobile enrolment devices and established territorial offices across the country, reducing waiting times for registration and propelling NIN enrolments to 115 million.
– Infrastructure Expansion: The National Identity Database has been expanded to host 250 million identities.
– Seamless Data Integration and Verification Upgrades: 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).
– Reactivating the General Multipurpose Card (GMPC): The reintroduction of the GMPC with advanced applets for secure payments and multi-functional use cases marks a significant leap in fostering financial inclusion.
– Broadening Financial and Social Inclusion: 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. 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.
Coker-Odusote attributed the success to strategic reforms and innovations aimed at fostering inclusivity, strengthening inter-agency collaboration, and expanding access to NIMC services. She also reaffirmed her commitment to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 16.9), which seeks to provide legal identity for all by 2030.
Determined to rest on oars, the Director General 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.
The Chairman of the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE), Mr. Martins Odiete, commended NIMC for its proactive approach in engaging online publishers/ Editors. He thanked the DG and management of the commission for 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.”
Mr. Odiete assured the commission of ACOE’s unwavering commitment to the partnership, promising that the collaboration would yield significant benefits. “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.
