The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has introduced a self-service online platform for the enrollment into the National Identification Number (NIN) and digital identity cards.
NIMC launched the platform at the 2023 World Identity Day Commemoration help in Abuja at the weekend. The NIMC Self-service NIN Enrollment and Digital ID’, is an online solution platform that would help people enroll for their NIN in the comfort of their homes.
The Acting Director General/CEO of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote said, the innovation was to increase ease of access for people to be enrolled at the comfort of their homes to using technological tools to reduce time and cost of movement to registration centres.
She said: “We are trying to increase the turn around time of registration. I have received a lot of complaints from the average Nigerian about going to register for a NIN. They complain that it takes them a long time to enroll and it also takes them a long time to get feedback after registration has been completed.
“So, what we are trying to do at NIMC is to ensure that we create an ease of access for you to be able to register in the comfort of your own home, if you have access to a digital or technological tool. If you don’t, you can approach the NIMC office or any of our partners that are in your neighborhood.
“So, we are trying to bridge that gap. You know that there is a rising cost in things. So, rather than spend 1,000 Naira to go to an office to register, you can do it from the comfort of your home.”
Coker-Odusote said the World Identity Day holds exceptional importance as it provides the country with an opportunity to reflect on the pivotal role that identity plays in the lives of the people and the profound impact on society.
“Identity is more than a mere card or a number; it symbolises our existence, our entitlements, and our place within society. It unlocks access to essential services, social benefits, and pathways to personal and economic growth. It stands as a testament to our individuality while serving as a bridge to our shared humanity.
“At the National Identity Management Commission, our vision remains unwavering: to provide every citizen and legal resident with a digital primary identity, making it a universal reference point,” she stated.
In his key note address, the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the harmonisation and management of national identity is a major means of mitigating and controlling crime as well as for national development.
The Minister explained that with a well harmonised and managed identity, criminals would be easily located while social services can also be accessed without difficulties.
Tunji-Ojo said President Bola Tinubu, has promised renewed hope of ensuring a better life for all Nigerians and entrusted his appointees with the responsibility of making the vision come to fruition.
“We live in the modern digital age where a secure and verifiable identity is vital for any set system to work. Think about it, you can’t access bank services and get ATM cards without proving your identity. You can’t even engage with others on online social media platforms without first verifying your identity.
So identity is key in our everyday lives, which is why we commemorate this Day today.
“As a member of the Ministry of Interior family, NIMC joins with other sister agencies in not only improving access by the general public to services like passport acquisition and renewal but also the likes of efficient border security technology, effective handling of insecurity around the country, protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.
“It is fitting then that the theme for today is Identity as a Catalyst for Nigeria’s development. We are all stakeholders in ensuring the successful implementation of positive policies regarding national identity as it affects government social safety net and financial inclusion programmes,” he said.
