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The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has so far registered 42 unique identification records in absolute terms which can be provisioned for any required government service; representing approximately 21% of the 200 million estimated population of Nigeria.
This was disclosed yesterday by the DG/CEO, NIMC, Aliyu Aziz at the Africa Tech Leaders webinar series with the theme: Covid-19 Pandemic: The Public Sector Outlook.
DG/CEO, NIMC, Aliyu Aziz
He stated that the key mandate of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is to register and provide a digital identity to every Nigerian citizen, with the NIN as the foundation for digital identity.
While acknowledging that the number is a far cry when compared to the overall population of Nigeria, he assured that necessary steps are being taken fast-track the registration process with a view to ramping up the numbers.
The DG also disclosed that the Commission has also harmonized a total of 14 million records out of the approximately 40 million BVN records with the National Identity Database (NIDB). This represents 35% of the approximately 40 million BVN records captured thus far.
He stated that the essence of the harmonization was to have an integrated and efficient data management system to enhance national planning, social security and other development activities.
Speaking as one of the distinguished panellists during the webinar session, Aliyu Aziz also stated that the World Bank has approved USD 433 million in support of NIMC Digital Identification for a Development project to fast-track the enrolment of unique identification and grow the number of National Identification Number (NIN) in the next couple of years.
While responding during the Q&A session, he averred that the online NIN registration process has not been possible due to lack of birth registration records in Nigeria.
He also stated that for an effective impact of the National digital drive, Government agencies need to utilize new and innovative technology solutions, adopt digital skills, embrace change management process and accept a complete shift from the norm.
While submitting that the pandemic may have opened up a pandora’s box to accelerate the digital economy. He acknowledged that the private sector has done a lot more in taking advantage of ICT innovation when compared to the public sector where the level of participation and digital adoption is fairly low.
He rounded up by canvassing the need for the use of innovative intrusive technology solutions in the unique identification of citizens.
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