Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo says talks will soon begin among all relevant stakeholders in the national identity system to work out modalities on how to harmonise all the various identity systems for seamless and efficient service delivery in the country.

He said the discussion would involve all the relevant stakeholders concerned, ranging from the INEC, Banks, FRSC, NPC, Immigration, NCC etc. with the NIMC as a statutory body empowered by law to achieve the target in no distant future.

The Minister disclosed this on Saturday and at the 5th Identity Day commemoration held at ICC, Abuja with the theme: Identity As Catalyst for Nigeria’s Development ” – Examining the Role of Identity in Key Government Programs of Social Safety Net, Financial Inclusion, promotion of Good Governance and Transparency.

He said the harmonization and management of national identity was what the country needed now as a major means of mitigating and controlling crime as well as for national development.

The event was the first one under the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and since the movement of the NIMC to the Ministry of Interior.

Ojo, who described the theme as a catalyst to Nigeria’s development underscored the importance of ID management on nation building, saying that identity remains key in the everyday lives, which is why it is commemorated this Day every year.

Looking at the progress made so far in ensuring digital identity inclusion for everyone, the minister said future solutions can be put in place to ensure better lives for the citizens and legal residents of Nigeria.

”We live in the modern digital age where a secure and verifiable identity is vital for any set system to work.

“You can’t access bank services and get ATM cards without proving your identity. You can’t even engage with others on online social media platforms without first verifying your identity. So, identity is key in our everyday lives, which is why we commemorate this Day today.

“I have stated that the harmonization and management of national identity is a major means of mitigating and controlling crime as well as for national development.”

“With a database of over 100 million National Identification Numbers in the National Identity Database, NIDB, NIMC provided essential access to attaining this goal along with other major stakeholders.

As a member of the Ministry of Interior family, he said that the joining of NIMC with other sister agencies will not only improve access by the general public to services like passport acquisition renewal but also the likes of efficient border security technology, effective handling of insecurity around the country, protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, reformation and reintegration of rehabilitated offenders in the society as well as improved emergency and fire response times.

He urged all stakeholders to join hands in ensuring the successful implementation of positive policies regarding national identity as it affects government social safety net and financial inclusion programmes.

The ID Day is all about setting a day out nationally and internationally in commemoration and appreciation of the real value of ownership of verifiable identity in the everyday lives.

In her address, Acting Director General/CEO of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote said harmonization of all the various identity systems remain a top priority in her agenda as CEO of NIMC.

She said the decision by President Tinubu to appoint her as the Acting Director General/CEO of NIMC, “is a profound testament to the President’s unwavering faith in the Commission’s recent achievements and his optimistic outlook on our future endeavors”.

“We embark on a journey that resonates deeply with our national aspirations. World Identity Day holds exceptional importance as it provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the pivotal role that identity plays in our lives and its profound impact on society.

“It is a day to recognize the transformative power of identity in shaping our destinies, safeguarding our rights, and connecting us as global citizens.

” Identity is more than a mere card or a number; it symbolizes our existence, our entitlements, and our place within society. It unlocks access to essential services, social benefits, and pathways to personal and economic growth. It stands as a testament to our individuality while serving as a bridge to our shared humanity.”

“At the National Identity Management Commission, our vision remains unwavering: to provide every citizen and legal resident with a digital primary identity, making it a universal reference point.

“We firmly believe that access to a reliable identity is not a privilege but a fundamental right. It serves as the cornerstone upon which we can build a more inclusive, secure, and prosperous society.

Odusote, who acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead, said she would ensure universal access to a trusted identity, regardless of background or circumstances, demands innovation, unwavering dedication, and global collaboration.

Continuing, NIMC DG said in the face of emerging technologies and evolving threats, NIMC would remain vigilant in safeguarding the integrity and security of identity systems. While embracing digital transformation, we must prioritize the principles of privacy and data protection.



https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/09/fg-to-commence-harmonization-of-identity-cards/

This is a good initiative. Nigeria must get it right.

We now have a working system👏👏

Nice one! Time to truly harmonised all the different identities. Voter's card, different bank Identity cards, International passport etc - many identities but no synchronised national identity date base.

This will be akin to the social security number( SSN ) of rhe US. This will go a long way to prevent the trend of identity theft

Hon. Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has emerged as a visionary Minister. His engagement with agencies under his purview signals a new dawn for the Ministry. It’s a new dawn for us all👏👏👏

He was the best man for that office. He will surely delivered. God bless Hon Olubunmi Tunji Ojo God bless President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and God bless Nigeria. Amen

Nigeria must be great again

It is time to move forward, growth is wat we need.

Nigeria 🇳🇬 shall be great again

This is a brilliant idea to synchronize all data into a single point to access by relevant security agencies and other institutions.
Our NIN should also be linked with BVN, Voter's Card, ATM and this will make it a replica of the Social Security Number (SSN) in the USA.

The federal government is working tirelessly and i must commend the govt for a job well done… we are already enjoying the dividend of democracy 💯✅

harmonization and management of national identity is what the country need now as a major means of mitigating and controlling crime as well as for national development.

Thank you sir for this we need it most

All institution using bio data will have same information of every individual ctizens and there data manager will be NIMC under ministry of interior. Well done sir.

Hon. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo has proven that he is the right man for this position no Wonder the president Bola Ahmed choose him.
His words are backedup with actions.
Reform is long over due

This is awesome

This is a most welcome development

This will be a good innovation if we want to be regarded as a technologically driven country, and the best man who can do that is the Hon. Minister of interior, because of his vast technological knowledge.

This is great news

Good good

Swift decision making. Commendable

Good news o

A very lofty idea but trust me that the usual saboteurs will knock against it for.political and actual voter strength reasons as usual.

No be today na.

The problem with Nigeria is that however lofty your ideas may be there are always going to be the eyes and ears of the Saboteur Generals in every sector to mess it up.

This is the one of the major wahala with the system.

You want make the people wey say na them get the highest population and voting strength to get their nyash open?

Laye boh

Lamba!!

The same way they told us that having BVN will stop illicit financial crimes, but instead made many lose their life savings.

The same way they said NIN would make tracking criminals easy, instead kidnappers became bolder and more dangerous.

The same way they told us that BVAS would enable the electronic transmission of results possible, only for the server to crash on the day of elections.

Believe Nigeria government at your own peril.....

Wow…

BobbieZion:
Lamba!!

The same way they told us that having BVN will stop illicit financial crimes, but instead made many lose their life savings.

The same way they said NIN would stmake tracking criminals, instead kidnappers became bolder and more dangerous.

The same way they told us that BVAS would enable the electronic transmission of results possible, only for the server to crash on the day of elections.

Believe Nigeria governor at your own peril.....

to make it in life will seem impossible to you self.

Lanretoye:
Wow…to make it in life will seem impossible to you self.

The believe I had in Nigeria cannot be measured on a scale, it was 💯.
Then Nigeria happened to me ,and then I woke up from my slumber.

I cannot be unrealistically optimistic..... that's folly.
I have to be truthfully realistic.

Long over due

Data Consolidation

Please they should not harmonize BVN.

Those praise singers up there were hired to push the propaganda across to unsuspecting nairaland users.


Almost all of the account were registered on the 28 of August or September 5, 2023.


Or may be someone is using many accounts just for propaganda purpose.

The minister of interior's thread on the FP is another thread occupied by the same accounts.

I'm very sure that all the comments that praised this minister was made by one person with different monikers. Tinubu ministers lack the competence and passion to initiate any change in their respective ministries. Fools

If this must be achieved, a very comprehensive database of Nigerians must be created. The NIMC should sit to a round table with Nigerian banks, INEC and "NEPA".

The last two bastards (INEC and NEPA) have phone numbers and residential addresses of all Nigerians. INEC sent sms to 90 percent of Nigerians prior to the February Presidential elections. Even if your house is in Sambisa forest, Nepa will deff bring a ladder and climb your pole once you default in payment.