NIMC issues 110m NINs amid hitches

About 110 million National Identification Numbers (NIN) have so far been issued to Nigerians in the last few years. This was disclosed, yesterday, by the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Abisoye Coker-Odusote, in Abuja at the sixth National Identity Day, themed: “Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) – Enabling Access to Services.”

NIMC said 105 million NINs had been issued to Nigerians amid challenges of NIN-SIM linkages, as of April 2024, The NIMC DG noted that DPI had become vital to Nigeria’s economic development as it provided a framework to connect citizens to essential services, including social welfare, healthcare, education, and finance.

According to her, NIMC has been leading the transformation that led to the enrolment of over 110 million Nigerians for NIN. Coker said: “This achievement presents a unique opportunity for integrating the remaining two pillars of DPI, data exchange and payment, with foundational identity, facilitating effective development and adoption.”

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to building a robust DPI that would enable access to services for all Nigerians.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Federation, George Akume, at the National ID Day event, highlighted the significance of DPI in facilitating access to public and private services and driving economic development. He stated that DPI was the backbone that enabled access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and financial inclusion.

“In today’s digital age, the ability to prove one’s identity is not merely a matter of convenience; it is a fundamental cornerstone of our socioeconomic progress.

“Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is the backbone that enables access to essential services, including healthcare, education, financial inclusion, and social welfare.

“It is through robust DPI that we can ensure every Nigerian, regardless of their background or location has the opportunity to participate fully in our nation’s growth and development,” he said.