FG Makes NIN Possession Mandatory For Access To Social Services

The federal government has made the possession of National Identification Number (NIN) a mandatory requisite for accessing social services.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, declared this Tuesday while declaring open an Inter-Ministerial retreat on the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project in Lagos.

Sen. Akume who said that Nigerians would require the National Identification Number (NIN) to access social services, further stressed that the poor and vulnerable population would need it to benefit from palliatives.

Represented by Professor Babatunde Bolaji, Senator Akume reiterated that providing digital identity for all Nigerians is a cardinal focus of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

He urged all government agencies to support the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in establishing a robust and inclusive national identity system.

He also commended the NIMC Director-General, Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, for her dedication and commitment to fulfilling the Commission’s mandate.

The SGF who is also the Chairman of the Project Ecosystem Steering Committee (PESC) of the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project assured her of his willingness to support the commission in pursuing reforms that will reposition it through the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Project, according to a statement by the NIMC Head, Corporate Communications Unit, Kayode Adegoke.

Similarly, the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Tanko Sununu, lauded the NIMC leadership and the ID4D team for their achievements so far.

He also reiterated his Ministry’s collaboration with NIMC to ensure that the NIN is used to access social services and palliatives meant for vulnerable populations across the country.

For her part, the NIMC DG/CEO, represented by Ayobami Abiola, the Technical Assistant on Policy and Partnerships, expressed gratitude to the SGF and the Minister.

She assured the PESC members of the Commission’s readiness to deliver on its mandate.

“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.