Federal Govt Makes NIN Mandatory To Access Social Services

The federal government has now made it mandatory for Nigerians to have a National Identification Number (NIN) before they can access social services and government palliatives.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), senator George Akume, has emphasised that Nigerians must have a National Identification Number (NIN) to access social services and government palliatives.

Speaking at the opening of an Inter-Ministerial retreat on the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project in Lagos, SGF, reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to providing digital identity for all Nigerians.

Senator Akume—represented by Professor Babatunde Bolaji urged government agencies to support the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in strengthening the national identity system.

The SGF, who also chairs the Project Ecosystem Steering Committee (PESC) for the ID4D Project, lauded NIMC director-general Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote for her dedication. He assured her of his continued support in implementing reforms to enhance the Commission’s role.

Similarly, the minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Tanko Sununu, commended the NIMC leadership and reiterated his Ministry’s collaboration with the agency to ensure that the NIN is required for accessing social services and aid for vulnerable groups.

Represented by NIMC’s technical assistant on Policy and Partnerships, Ayobami Abiola, the director-general expressed gratitude to the SGF and minister, emphasising the importance of inter-agency collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity system.

The retreat, attended by key members of the PESC and strategic partners, reviewed the progress of the ID4D Project, celebrated milestones, and explored solutions to implementation challenges.