The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has so far captured over 107 million persons in its database at May, 2024, assuring that it has embedded high technology security measures against hackers.
The Commission further gave assurances of inclusive capturing of every citizen of Nigeria and legal residents in Nigeria on the nation’s identity database through decentralisation of the capturing process as it targets the realization of the Millennium Development Goals (SDG 16.9), which seeks to ensure that everyone on the earth planet has a form of identity by 2030.
The NIMC Director General/Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, spoke on Wednesday in Abuja while declaring open a two-day roundtable with publishers of online newspapers.
She reassured Nigerians, at home, and in the diaspora that robust measures are in place to safeguard the nation’s database from cyber threats as well as protect the credibility of the data to aid development policy decisions.
According to her, “NIMC’s infrastructure adheres to the stringent ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management System Standard, ensuring that the highest standards of data protection are maintained.
“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.
“NIMC has an unwavering commitment to upholding ethical standards in data protection.
Cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and real-time monitoring systems are in place to protect the database.
We are also very deliberate about ensuring that all partners and vendors of the commission comply with strict security standards.
She commended Nigeria Digital ID4D Project for its supports to NIMC, citing that the supports there is strategy to ensure that “those that are at the risk of being excluded on Nigeria’s identity project are adequately covered. From persons with disabilities, 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.”
On her part, the Coordinator, Project Implementation Unit (PIU), Nigeria Digital ID4D Project, Mrs Tito Ejenavi, observed that in the past years, identity systems had often inadvertently marginalized certain groups due to logistical challenges and social stigmas, particularly affecting women and persons with disabilities.
She said, “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.”
Further, she explained that the foundational ID system that NIMC is building is not just about numbers, but 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”, she stressed.
