Pantami sets new target of 2.5 million monthly NIN enrolments for NIMC

• Directs NIMC to adopt digital ID rather than plastic ID cards

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), has tasked National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to ensure a 500 per cent increase in the number of monthly Citizens’ Digital Identity  (National Identification Number) Enrolments, up from the current 500,000 monthly enrolments to 2.5 million monthly enrolments.

Gentechnews gathered the Minister received briefing from the management team of the NIMC on their activities following the final transfer of the supervision of the commission to the ministry on the 7th October 2020.

Dr Pantami lauded the Director-General of NIMC, Engr Aliyu A. Aziz, for his commitment and passion, adding that there has been a considerable increase in enrolments since he became the Chief Executive Officer of NIMC.

The Minister however stated that there is still a need to raise the bar even higher by ensuring that the enrolment rate is five times the current rate.

He noted that this is imperative because the National Identity Number (NIN) will soon be made mandatory for accessing government services and interventions.

Dr Pantami used the opportunity of the meeting to discuss the challenges militating against the success of NIMC’s activities, including the challenge of inadequate funds.

He assured the NIMC team that he will do all he can to address these challenges and that he will continue to meet with NIMC regularly until he is certain the performance of the Commission is enhanced significantly and efficient services are offered to Nigerians.

The Minister stated further that he is committed to ensuring that citizens easily obtain secure digital identity and urged them to enroll as soon as possible.

He directed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to shift its focus from producing plastic identity cards for Nigerians to the provision of “Digital ID” for all Nigerians.

The Minister stated that Digital ID is key to promoting a Digital Economy for a Digital Nigeria.

A statement signed by the Spokesperson to the Minister, Uwa Suleiman (Mrs), reads: “He directed the Director-General of NIMC to set up complaint units in all the Commission’s Centres in order to ensure that the complaints of the citizens are promptly addressed.

“He also directed the Commission to interface more with citizens and to also run awareness campaigns on all media channels and in Nigerian languages to encourage citizens to obtain their digital identity.

“Digital Identity is one of the key requirements of any digital economy and it is captured under Pillar #6 of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) for a Digital Nigeria.

“The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy is committed to supporting NIMC to ensure that Nigerians derive the benefits of a functional digital identity system. Nigerians are encouraged to visit NIMC accredited centres soon for their digital identity.”