The Federal Government yesterday, Wednesday, February 11, 2025, announced the implementation of a mandatory requirement for citizens to possess a National Identity Number (NIN) to access social services.
Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), made this declaration during the opening session of an Inter-Ministerial retreat on the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos.
In his remarks, which were presented by Prof. Babatunde Bolaji, the SGF emphasized that providing a digital identity for all Nigerians is a key priority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He urged all government agencies to collaborate with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to establish a comprehensive and inclusive national identity system.
Kayode Adegoke, Head of the Corporate Communications Unit at NIMC, issued a statement noting the SGF's commendation for the NIMC Director-General, Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, acknowledging her dedication and commitment to the Commission's mandate.
Additionally, the SGF, who serves as the Chairman of the Project Ecosystem Steering Committee (PESC) for the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project, assured the Director-General of his commitment to supporting the Commission in pursuing reforms aimed at enhancing its effectiveness through the ID4D initiative.
The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Tanko Sununu, expressed appreciation for the leadership of the NIMC and the achievements of the ID4D team. He reiterated his Ministry's collaboration with the NIMC to ensure that the NIN is utilized as a means for vulnerable populations across the nation to access social services and palliative measures.
The NIMC Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, represented by Technical Assistant on Policy and Partnerships, Ayobami Abiola, conveyed gratitude to the SGF and the Minister. She assured the members of the PESC of the Commission’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate effectively.
“The enthusiasm and collaborative spirit displayed at this retreat are truly encouraging,” said the NIMC Director-General, who is also the Secretary of the PESC.
“Our discussions today have not only highlighted our achievements but also paved the way for innovative solutions to the challenges ahead.
“We are confident that 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, ensuring that every Nigerian and legal resident has a verifiable digital identity and that no one is left behind,” she added.
The retreat was attended by key members of the Project Ecosystem Steering Committee and other strategic partners, who reviewed the progress of the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project, celebrated milestone achievements and engaged in robust discussions to address implementation challenges.