NIMC Calls For Stakeholder Support As FG Advances Digital Identity Framework

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has urged public and private sector stakeholders to back government efforts to fast‑track a unified digital identity framework that officials say will improve service delivery, strengthen national security and boost trust in online transactions.

Speaking at a digital conference in Abuja themed “Building Africa’s Digital Foundations Together,” NIMC director general Abisoye Coker‑Odusote, outlined reforms and the deployment of tools such as the National Identification Number (NIN) and National Public Key Infrastructure (nPKI) as central to the federal government’s push for interoperable, secure Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).

Coker‑Odusote, represented by head of Infrastructure Technology and Identity Databases (IT/IDD), Mr Sulaiman Falade,  reaffirmed NIMC’s commitment to building a robust and inclusive DPI ecosystem to strengthen governance, improve public service delivery, enhance national security and accelerate socio-economic development in the country.

The NIMC boss said the commission was driving Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure through strategic reforms, institutional collaboration and deployment of secure digital identity systems that support efficient service delivery for citizens and residents.

According to her, the NIN has become central to the country’s digital transformation agenda, serving as a critical enabler for digital authentication, identity verification and access to both government and private sector services.

She said, “In line with the Presidential Directive issued on April 5, 2024, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have been mandated to ensure the effective use of the NIN in driving policies related to data capture, identity verification and biometric authentication across all digital services. NIMC has put in place structures to ensure effective implementation.”

Coker-Odusote noted that the federal government was committed to establishing a unified, secure and interoperable digital identity ecosystem capable of promoting transparency, accountability and seamless access to services nationwide.

She further explained that as part of Nigeria’s broader Digital Public Infrastructure framework, NIMC continued to play a leading role in enabling digital governance and supporting national development objectives.

The NIMC DG added that through the integration of digital identity systems and deployment of the National Public Key Infrastructure (nPKI), Nigeria was strengthening trust in digital transactions, protecting citizens’ data and promoting secure online interactions.

She called on stakeholders across the public and private sectors to support the implementation of Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem and related initiatives aimed at improving service delivery outcomes for Nigerians.

“NIMC, as the driver of the DPI, remains committed to leveraging technology, innovation and secure digital systems to build a more connected, efficient and resilient nation,” she stated.