'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has announced that the National Identification Number (NIN) will be a prerequisite for Nigerians to access social services and government palliatives, particularly for the poor and vulnerable populations.
According to a statement on February 11, 2025 by the Commission's Head of Corporate Communications Unit, Kayode Adegoke, this declaration was made during the opening of a two-day Inter-Ministerial retreat on the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos.
Represented by Professor Babatunde Bolaji, Senator Akume emphasized that the provision of a digital identity for all Nigerians remains a top priority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He urged all government agencies to collaborate with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to ensure the establishment of a robust, inclusive, and efficient national identity system.
“The NIN is not just a number; it is a key to unlocking access to critical social services and palliatives designed to uplift the lives of Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable among us,” Akume stated. He also commended the NIMC Director-General, Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, for her unwavering commitment to advancing the Commission’s mandate.
As Chairman of the Project Ecosystem Steering Committee (PESC) for the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project, the SGF pledged his full support to the NIMC in driving reforms that will reposition the Commission and accelerate the implementation of the ID4D Project.
The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Tanko Sununu, also echoed the importance of the NIN in accessing social services. He praised the NIMC leadership and the ID4D team for their achievements so far and reaffirmed his Ministry’s commitment to working closely with the Commission to ensure that vulnerable populations across the country benefit from government interventions.
“The NIN is a critical tool for ensuring transparency and efficiency in the distribution of palliatives and social services. We will continue to collaborate with NIMC to ensure that no one is left behind,” Sununu said.
In her remarks, the NIMC Director-General, represented by Ayobami Abiola, Technical Assistant on Policy and Partnerships, expressed gratitude to the SGF and the Minister for their support. She assured stakeholders of the Commission’s readiness to deliver on its mandate of providing a verifiable digital identity for every Nigerian and legal resident.
“The enthusiasm and collaborative spirit displayed at this retreat are truly encouraging,” the NIMC DG said. “Our discussions today have not only highlighted our achievements but also paved the way for innovative solutions to the challenges ahead. With sustained inter-agency collaboration and support from all critical stakeholders, we will fast-track our mission to reposition the national identity system, making it more robust and inclusive.”
The retreat brought together key members of the Project Ecosystem Steering Committee, strategic partners, and other stakeholders to review the progress of the ID4D Project, celebrate milestone achievements, and address implementation challenges. Participants engaged in robust discussions aimed at enhancing the project’s impact and ensuring its alignment with national development goals.
The Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project, funded by the World Bank, aims to increase the number of Nigerians with a legal and verifiable digital identity. This initiative is expected to improve access to social services, enhance governance, and foster economic inclusion.
As the government intensifies efforts to ensure nationwide NIN enrollment, Nigerians are encouraged to register and obtain their NIN to avoid being excluded from critical social services and palliatives.
