By Queen Kunde
The Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, has praised the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) for helping to boost awareness of the ongoing National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment across Nigeria.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by ACOE members to NIMC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, the DG said the media partnership has played a key role in driving public participation in the national identity programme.
Represented by the Director of Human Capital Management, Mrs. Rhoda Jackden, Coker-Odusote said NIMC is now focusing on enrolment at the ward level to ensure every Nigerian gets a NIN.
“Having a NIN is now essential for accessing government services,” she said, adding that the ward-level exercise officially began on February 16, 2026.
She noted that NIN enrolment has now exceeded 120 million Nigerians, describing it as a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity system. She also highlighted reforms within the commission, including improved staff welfare, better training, and operational upgrades.
According to her, over 3,700 staff were trained last year alone, while more than 3,000 staff members have been promoted. She added that salary increases of 25–30 percent, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside welfare initiatives such as free bus services and food support, have boosted morale and productivity.
Operationally, NIMC has introduced over 800 new mobile enrolment devices to reach underserved communities and deployed more than 2,500 new systems to modernise its infrastructure. The commission also recorded a 40 percent drop in extortion and illegal charges at enrolment centres, restoring public confidence.
The DG said the reforms are in line with President Tinubu’s vision to improve government service delivery and ensure all Nigerians are properly captured in the national database ahead of the issuance of a general multipurpose card.
Earlier, ACOE Chairman Sola Akingboye commended Coker-Odusote’s leadership since assuming office in 2023, describing it as transformative for Nigeria’s digital identity journey.
He said ACOE had honoured the DG with an Exemplary Public Service Delivery Award in November in recognition of her achievements.
Akingboye pledged continued media support to promote NIMC’s reforms, fight misinformation, and educate Nigerians on the importance of NIN registration. He also requested regular media briefings and guided tours of NIMC facilities to enhance transparency.
As a highlight of the visit, ACOE presented its symbolic muffler to the DG a gesture the association described as a mark of honour and inclusion.
Senior NIMC officials, including directors from media, communications, and the office of the DG, were present at the meeting.
With enrolment now moving closer to the grassroots, NIMC says it is determined to ensure that every Nigerian is counted and connected in the country’s growing digital identity system.
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