By Queen Kunde
The Director General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote has highlighted significant achievements during her first year in office. The commission successfully enrolled a record-breaking 115 million National Identification Numbers (NIN) and cleared a backlog of payments owed to Front-End Partners (FEPs).
At a two-day roundtable event with online newspaper publishers in Abuja, represented by the Director of ICT/Identity Database, Engr. Lanre Yusuf, Coker-Odusote expressed the need for media collaboration to further enhance the commission’s operations.
Milestone Achievements and NIN Enrolment Surge
Coker-Odusote characterized this year as crucial for advancing Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem. She credited the success to strategic reforms and innovations that promote inclusivity, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and expand access to NIMC services.
Under her leadership, NIMC deployed over 800 mobile enrolment devices and opened territorial offices nationwide to reduce waiting times for registration. These initiatives led to the enrolment of 115 million individuals, supported by an expanded National Identity Database capable of hosting 250 million identities.
Coker-Odusote stated, “We have taken deliberate steps to ensure effective service delivery by modernizing infrastructure and clearing backlogs. These measures are part of a broader vision to create an inclusive and robust identity system that benefits every Nigerian.”
Enhanced Data Integration and Verification Upgrades
NIMC has strengthened collaboration by integrating the NIN with key agencies such as the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). The commission has also upgraded its Middleware and plans to launch a NIN authentication app, enhancing data security and ensuring citizen control over personal information in compliance with national data protection regulations.
Additionally, she announced plans to improve verification services with a 99% uptime guarantee, solidifying NIN’s role as a foundational tool for identity verification across both governmental and private sectors.
**Reactivation of the General Multipurpose Card (GMPC)**
The reintroduction of the General Multipurpose Card (GMPC), equipped with advanced applets for secure payments and multipurpose uses, represents a significant advancement in promoting financial inclusion. This card is essential for accessing vital services both locally and internationally.
Promoting Financial and Social Inclusion
NIMC has leveraged the NIN to enhance financial inclusion by linking it with initiatives like the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and grants under the Ministry of Agriculture. Over 3 million farmers and 800,000 MSMEs have benefited from verified NINs, which ensure transparency and equitable resource distribution.
The commission has also integrated the NIN with critical national initiatives, including SIM card registration, digital health programs, and youth development projects, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive governance and national security.
**Media Collaboration: ACOE Pledges Support**
The Chairman of the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE), Mr. Martins Odiete, praised NIMC for its proactive engagement with online publishers. He expressed gratitude to the Director General and the management of the commission for fostering collaboration and recognized the importance of utilizing online platforms to deliver public policies effectively.
Odiete emphasized, “The online space is the new engagement ground if public policies are to reach their intended audiences. NIMC, with a nationwide focus, has found a valuable ally in ACOE.”
He assured the commission of ACOE’s unwavering commitment to this partnership, stating, “The commission will gain substantial value from its collaboration with our association. Together, we will amplify NIMC’s achievements, educate the public, and ensure the success of its mission.”
**Future Plans and Commitment to Reforms**
In her closing remarks, Coker-Odusote outlined plans to adopt advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence for identity verification, to expand enrolment centres and deepen the integration of NIN across various sectors. She reaffirmed her firm stance against corruption, ensuring that NIMC operates transparently and in alignment with global best practices.
Coker-Odusote reiterated her commitment to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 16.9), which aims to provide legal identity for all by 2030. “NIMC will not rest until every Nigerian has a legal identity,” she concluded.