DG/CEO, NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote

The Director General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote has said that the Commission under her watch is committed to complying with all extant laws and regulations governing the protection of data in Nigeria. The assurance is coming ahead of the forthcoming NIMC Ecosystem Enrolment exercise.

Speaking at the ongoing two-day Roundtable with Publishers of Online Newspapers under the auspices of the Guild of Online Publishers GOCOP, organised by the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development ID4D Project in Lagos, the NIMC-boss also warned that the Commission under her watch has zero tolerance for corruption, reiterating her resolve to sanitising the Commission.

Represented by the head, Research and Strategy, Dr Alvan Ikoku, the DG disclosed that since she was appointed in August last year, the new management has done so much in terms of ensuring the security of data as well as sanitising the processes.

She further disclosed that in line with the commitment of the Commission under her watch to transparency and accountability, the 10-month old management has put in place robust mechanisms for proper monitoring and redressing grievances of the stakeholders when such arise.

“NIMC under my watch is committed to complying with all extant laws and regulations governing the protection of data in Nigeria. 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.

“My administration has zero tolerance for corruption. I hereby reiterate my commitment to sanitising NIMC, in conformity to 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 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.

“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.

“We are also 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. 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 DG further assured.

Engr. Coker-Odusote, who also took time to address the media practitioners on the need to ensure highest ethical and professional standards, reminded them of their expected role towards the forthcoming NIMC Ecosystem Enrolment exercise by ensuring they understand how they can contribute to this national effort.

She said: “The mandate of NIMC is ambitious, yet crucial. Achieving these goals requires effective mobilisation of citizens through strategic communication. Let me at this point, thank the online publishers for all the support you have been giving to the commission, particularly, since I assumed office at NIMC. We do not take this for granted. While we take deliberate steps towards deepening our engagements with you, rest assured of our commitment to the highest standards of professionalism in the implementation of NIMC’s mandate.”

The NIMC-boss thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his inspirational leadership and commitment to a better Nigeria. She also commended the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project for its numerous supports to NIMC and for making the Roundtable possible.

Meanwhile, the Coordinator, Project Implementation Unit of the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project, Mrs. Tito Ejenavi, who also spoke at the event, noted that the Project, which is a Nigerian collaborative effort and funded by the World Bank, the European Investment Bank, and the French Development Agency, has a primary purpose of increasing the number of persons with a National Identity Number NIN through a robust and inclusive foundational identity system.

According to her, the Project is also designed to facilitate access to essential services and, ultimately, to stimulate demand for the IDs based on the improved accessibility to services they enable while the mission is rooted in the principle of inclusion.

Ejenavi said: “Historically, identity systems have often inadvertently marginalised 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. By strengthening our national identity infrastructure, we aim to bolster Nigeria’s digital economy, enhance data protection, and close the inclusion gaps that hinder access to identification and related key services. This is particularly crucial for marginalized groups, including persons living with disabilities and the rural poor.”

President of GOCOP, Maureen Chigbo, who commended the new management of the Commission led by Engr. Coker-Odusote, pledged the support and cooperation of the association towards the achievement of the NIMCI mandate.

She urged the new management to do everything within its powers towards the harmonisation and integration of the identity management system in the country, which has been fraught with duplications across both the public and private sectors.