FG Set To Enrol 16-year-old Into NIN Biometrics Database In Hospitals, Schools

The federal government has rolled out plans to enroll Nigerians aged 16 and above into the National Identity Database and issue them National Identification Numbers (NIN) through centers located in hospitals, IDPs camps, and schools.

This was disclosed yesterday in Abuja at the conclusion of a two-day roundtable discussion with online publishers themed: “Building Formidable Bridges with the Digital Media Ecosystem.” The event was part of the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) project.

The project aims to significantly increase the number of Nigerians with a National Identification Number issued through a robust and inclusive identification system that facilitates access to essential services for all citizens.

The roundtable discussion brought together online publishers, senior management teams from various government parastatals to sensitize, educate, and mobilize Nigerians for participation in the NIN enrollment process.

Speaking at the event, Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), emphasized that every Nigerian, regardless of age, must be enrolled in the National Identity Database and issued a NIN.

“When a child is born, they are expected to be issued a NIN. This is why the current NIMC administration, led by the DG/CEO and GNABCO, is working to bring enrollment systems to hospitals nationwide,” he explained.

Adegoke further stated, “When the child turns 16, they are required to visit any of our centers to update their records by transitioning from a child to an adult profile, during which biometric data, including fingerprints, will be captured.”

He clarified that the NIN serves as a digital identifier for citizens and legal residents, not for voting purposes. “The age of 16 was chosen because it is scientifically proven that fingerprints stabilize at that age. Additionally, in our educational system, 16 is the typical age for entry into higher education,” he added.

He reiterated the importance of engaging the media as critical partners in the sensitisation and mobilisation of Nigerians for the NIN project. “For us, the media is vital in providing accurate and timely information, educating the public, and constructively engaging citizens in the national identity program,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Rhoda Jackden, Deputy Director and Head of the Human Capital Management Department, highlighted NIMC’s shift to a “people-centric” approach to fulfill its mandate of enrolling all citizens and legal residents into the National Identity Database. This includes issuing them a unique NIN and a General Multipurpose Card (GMPC).

She noted that upon assumption of office, the DG/CEO, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, prioritized staff welfare through various initiatives aimed at enhancing staff well-being and productivity. Some of these initiatives include:

“Improved Work Tools, he has provided staff with the necessary tools to perform their duties efficiently.

” Transport Palliatives: Subsidizing transportation costs to cushion the impact of the hike in fuel prices, which has reduced lateness and absenteeism while boosting productivity.

” Training and Development: For the first time in NIMC’s history, over 75% of staff have undergone local and international training programs aimed at building capacity and keeping pace with advancements in technology and identity management.

” Health and Fitness: offering free medical treatment, health seminars, and aerobic exercises to promote staff health and well-being.

”  Busing System: Providing free bus services on routes such as Gwagwalada, Nyanya, Kubwa, and Suleja in the FCT, easing staff commuting and reducing lateness,” she said.