The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has emphasized the importance of the National Identification Number (NIN) in accessing social services in Nigeria.
He stated that the NIN would be necessary for the poor and vulnerable to benefit from government palliatives.
Senator Akume made this statement while inaugurating an Inter-Ministerial retreat on the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. He was represented by Professor Babatunde Bolaji.
He highlighted that providing digital identity for all Nigerians is a key priority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He urged government agencies to support the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in building a strong and inclusive national identity system.
The SGF also commended NIMC’s Director-General, Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, for her commitment to the Commission’s mandate. As the Chairman of the Project Ecosystem Steering Committee (PESC) for the ID4D Project, he assured her of his support in reforming and repositioning NIMC through the initiative.
Similarly, the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Tanko Sununu, praised the leadership of NIMC and the ID4D team. He reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to working with NIMC to ensure that the NIN is used to access social services and palliatives for vulnerable Nigerians.
Speaking on behalf of NIMC’s Director-General, Ayobami Abiola, the Technical Assistant on Policy and Partnerships, expressed gratitude to the SGF and the Minister. She assured the PESC members of NIMC’s readiness to fulfill its mandate.
“The enthusiasm and collaborative spirit displayed at this retreat are truly encouraging,” she said, adding that the discussions highlighted achievements and provided innovative solutions to challenges.
She stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration to strengthen the national identity system, ensuring that every Nigerian and legal resident has a verifiable digital identity.
The retreat was attended by key members of the Project Ecosystem Steering Committee and other strategic partners. Participants reviewed the progress of the ID4D Project, celebrated achievements, and discussed ways to overcome implementation challenges.
