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Aliyu Aziz, the recently retired Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), shares insights into the agency’s progress and future prospects in this interview with ANOZIE EGOLE.
Surpassing the 100 million registered Nigerians milestone in the National Identity Database must be a significant achievement. What does this milestone mean to you?
Exceeding the 100 million records mark within the National Identity Database is a testament to a well-coordinated effort. It reflects key factors such as extensive enrollment drives, effective public awareness campaigns, consistent stakeholder engagement, and partnerships. Policies like the NIN-SIM linkage policy and harmonization policy have also played a role. Collaborative engagement with private and public sector organizations has facilitated the enrollment drive. This accomplishment showcases our commitment to building a strong identification system that supports governance, offers accurate demographic insights, and enhances service delivery.
How will the World Bank-driven Ecosystem project impact NIN?
The World Bank-driven Ecosystem project is poised to significantly enhance the issuance of NIN in Nigeria. It aims to create a robust and inclusive foundational identification system, which aligns with NIMC’s goals. This project aims to reform the legal, regulatory, and institutional framework for the ID system. By strengthening these aspects, the NIN system will operate in a regulated environment. The Data Protection Act is a crucial policy under this project. The project also seeks to harmonize existing functional ID systems and establish a digital foundational ID platform that issues a unique NIN to all individuals in Nigeria, including those living abroad.
How has collaboration with JAMB, Nigerian Immigration Service, and others impacted NIN’s integration?
The integration of NIN into processes like immigration and admission has improved data accuracy and streamlined operations. This integration eliminates challenges posed by multiple identities and creates a consistent profile across platforms. Beyond operational benefits, this alignment fosters an ecosystem that prioritizes identity and security. Collaboration with JAMB and NIS underscores our commitment to integrating NIN into crucial processes, enhancing data accuracy, and countering identity-related fraud.
How can NIN contribute to addressing the increasing insecurity in Nigeria?
NIN’s uniqueness ensures accurate identification of individuals, thwarting counterfeit/multiple identities. This helps prevent fraud and identity-related crimes. Law enforcement agencies can benefit from NIN’s use in identifying and verifying suspects. This proactive approach enhances security and responsiveness to challenges. NIN’s ability to enhance security through precise identification aligns with our commitment to safety.
You mentioned having 15,000 active enrollment centers nationwide. Are there plans for more centers?
NIMC aims to increase enrollment points to ensure widespread access to ID services. Mobile enrollment devices have been introduced for remote areas. Front-end partners facilitate enrollment, extending services across the nation and diaspora. This approach ensures coverage and sustained productivity.
There have been reports of registration challenges due to migration. What’s the situation?
Over 80% of enrollments are facilitated by licensed front-end partners. Upgraded enrollment software is in use in over 60% of NIMC centers. Migration aims to enhance performance and security, affecting about 10% of NIMC-owned centers. NIMC is addressing teething issues to ensure secure and efficient identity solutions.
How is NIMC bridging the gap caused by this breakdown?
NIMC is taking measures to address limitations in secondary enrollment caused by migration. Over 60% of centers have been fully migrated and services restored. NIMC acknowledges the impact on customers and is committed to uninterrupted service provision.
Why is the migration exercise happening now?
Migration is an ongoing process, with phases. The initial phase focused on collaboration with front-end partners. The second phase focuses on NIMC centers. Various factors influenced the timeline, including operational readiness and technology deployment. NIMC is dedicated to maintaining service integrity.
How will NIMC address high charges for corrections?
Fees for NIMC services are on the website. Payments are electronic via the government’s Remita platform. A careful approach balances affordability and database integrity. Charges for data updates and corrections are approved by the governing board.
How will NIMC reach rural dwellers facing registration challenges?
NIMC employs an ecosystem approach, extending access to underserved areas. Mobile enrollment devices and collaboration with local authorities ensure direct service provision. Technology facilitates enrollment even in areas with limited infrastructure.
Why was the NIN registration age limit adjusted?
The NIMC Act stipulates NIN registration for Nigerian citizens and legal residents. Individuals aged 16 and above are issued the National Identity Card. NIMC has consistently enrolled individuals of all ages.
What’s the plan for harmonizing multiple biometric registrations?
A harmonization committee is working to integrate databases. Functional ID systems like NIBSS, NCC, and immigration have been harmonized. NIMC’s ecosystem approach aims to achieve database population and linkages.
How will NIMC bridge the gap between NIN registration and card issuance?
Collaboration with NIBBS and the Afrigo Card project will enhance card issuance. NIMC aims to ensure benefits of NIN registration are fully realized.
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