NIN Now a Prerequisite for Social Services
The Federal Government has announced that possession of a National Identity Number (NIN) will now be a requirement for citizens to access social services, including palliatives for the poor and vulnerable.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, made this declaration while speaking at an Inter-Ministerial Retreat on the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project in Lagos.
Represented by Prof. Babatunde Bolaji, Akume emphasized that providing digital identity for all Nigerians is a key priority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He called on all government agencies to support the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in building a robust and inclusive national identity system.
Support for NIMC’s National Identity Drive
The Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, Kayode Adegoke, stated that the SGF praised the NIMC Director-General, Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, for her commitment to fulfilling the Commission’s mandate.
As the Chairman of the Project Ecosystem Steering Committee (PESC) for the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project, Akume reassured the NIMC DG of his full support in implementing necessary reforms to strengthen the Commission.
Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs Pledges Collaboration
The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Tanko Sununu, also expressed appreciation for the work being done by NIMC and the ID4D team. He reaffirmed his Ministry’s commitment to working with NIMC to ensure that the NIN becomes the standard for accessing social services across Nigeria.
NIMC Reaffirms Commitment to National Identity Development
Represented by Technical Assistant on Policy and Partnerships, Ayobami Abiola, the NIMC Director-General expressed gratitude to the SGF and Minister for their continued support.
She commended the enthusiasm and collaborative spirit at the retreat, stating that discussions not only celebrated past achievements but also introduced innovative solutions to overcome challenges in the implementation of the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Project.
“With sustained inter-agency collaboration and support from key stakeholders, we will fast-track efforts to strengthen the national identity system, ensuring every Nigerian and legal resident has a verifiable digital identity,” she added.
Retreat Focuses on Progress and Future Goals
The retreat brought together members of the Project Ecosystem Steering Committee (PESC) and other strategic partners. Discussions centered on evaluating progress, celebrating milestones, and identifying solutions to challenges in implementing the national digital identity project.
With the Federal Government’s renewed push for digital identity, the NIN is set to become an essential tool for citizens to access critical services, reinforcing its role in Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
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