The Director General/Chief Executive Officer, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engineer Abisoye Coker-Odusote, has reassured Nigerians that enrolment for the National Identification Number (NIN) is free of charge in Nigeria, according to techeconomy.ng report.
The reassurance was contained in the D-G’s remark at a two-day roundtable with publishers of online newspapers in Nigeria, held in Lagos, stating, however, there may be fees for modifications to adults’ NINs, such as updating a field for N500, except for changes in date of birth (DoB) which cost does not exceed N15,000.
Speaking through Head, Strategy and Programme Office at NIMC, Dr. Alvan Ikoku, she said that the mandate of NIMC is ambitious, yet crucial hence the Commission views the media as critical stakeholders for effective mobilization of citizens through strategic communication”.
“In the digital age, the influence of online media cannot be overstated. The internet has become a primary source of information for many, particularly the youth. However, it is also a breeding ground for misinformation and rumours, which can severely impact the reputation and trust in organisations.
Engr. Coker-Odusote highlighted that the roundtable was aimed at forging a partnership that leverages the publishers’ strengths to support NIMC’s mission while ensuring that any misconceptions are promptly and accurately addressed.
“The mandate of NIMC is ambitious, yet crucial. Achieving these goals require effective mobilisation of citizens through strategic communication.
“Pursuant to our commitment to transparency and accountability, we have instituted robust mechanisms for participation, grievance redress, and regular monitoring to enhance operational performance and mitigate social risks. Our grievance redress system includes a centralized grievance register, a contact centre, and multiple channels for submitting complaints. This system ensures that queries are addressed promptly, problems with implementation are resolved efficiently, and complaints from ecosystem partners are effectively managed”.
On data security, the D-G assured: “So far, we have done so much towards ensuring compliance with the highest standards of data security, sanitizing the system and processes, while ensuring the integrity of data on the country’s identity database. We shall not rest on our oars”, she said.
“My administration has zero tolerance for corruption. I hereby reiterate my commitment to sanitizing NIMC, in conformity with the mandate of Mr. President.
“Let me also use this medium to remind you all that enrolment for the National Identification Number (NIN) is free of charge in Nigeria.
“Pursuant to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 16.9), which seeks to ensure that everyone on the earth planet has a form of identity by 2030, NIMC shall not rest, until every citizen of Nigeria (at home and in the diaspora) and legal resident are captured on the country’s identity database”.
Engr. Coker-Odusote also said they very deliberate about inclusion. “A compelling strategy is already in place, with support from the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project to ensure that those that are at the risk of being excluded on Nigeria’s identity project are adequately covered”, she said. “From persons with disability, to women and children, the elderly, and those in rural and hard to reach areas, we are determined to ensure that no one is left behind”.
The Coordinator, Project Implementation Unit, Nigeria Digital ID4D Project, Tito Ejenavi, in agreement with the NIMC D-G, said the Project is a Nigerian collaborative effort funded by the World Bank, the European Investment Bank, and the French Development Agency, with a singular objective: to increase the number of persons with a National Identity Number (NIN) through a robust and inclusive foundational identity system.
“This project is designed to facilitate access to essential services and, ultimately, to stimulate demand for these IDs based on the improved accessibility to services they enable.
Historically, identity systems have often inadvertently marginalized certain groups due to logistical challenges and social stigmas, particularly affecting women and persons with disabilities.
“We are committed to reversing this trend by ensuring that our ID system is inclusive, equitable, and accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of their socio-economic status, gender, or physical abilities.
“The foundational ID system that NIMC is building is not just about numbers; it’s about people and their access to rights and services”, Ejenavi said.
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