Maryam Aminu
In a landmark event celebrating the 6th National Identity Day in Abuja, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) unveiled its new logo, marking a significant step forward in its mission to build a robust digital identity system for Nigerians.
The event, themed *“Digital Public Infrastructure: Enabling Access to Services,”* showcased the critical role of digital identity in Nigeria’s socio-economic progress.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting NIMC in establishing a comprehensive and efficient digital identity system.
Tinubu highlighted that every Nigerian’s unique proof of identity is essential for their protection, sustenance, and integration into society, regardless of their location.
“In today’s digital age, the ability to prove one’s identity is not just a matter of convenience; it is a cornerstone of our socioeconomic progress,” Tinubu stated.
He emphasized that digital public infrastructure (DPI) enables access to essential services like healthcare, education, financial inclusion, and social welfare, aligning with his administration’s *Renewed Hope* agenda for sustainable development and improved living standards for all Nigerians.
During the event, NIMC announced a significant milestone, revealing that the number of Nigerians with National Identification Numbers (NINs) had reached 110 million—a 2.39% increase from the 107.34 million recorded in May 2024.
The Director General of NIMC, Abisoye Coker-Odusote praised the transformative power of digital public infrastructure in providing citizens access to vital services. “The role of DPI has become indispensable to Nigeria’s economic development,” she said, adding that NIMC’s efforts are key to integrating services such as social welfare, healthcare, and digital payments.
Coker-Odusote also spotlighted the success of the government’s *Student Loan Initiative*, which has registered 332,715 students across 257 institutions and disbursed funds to over 18,000 beneficiaries. “This is a prime example of how DPI can break down financial barriers to education, ensuring that students can access the funds they need without unnecessary delays,” she noted.
The collaboration between NIMC, government agencies, and private sector players such as telecommunications companies has been vital in linking NINs with phone numbers and harmonizing NINs with Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs), further streamlining digital payments and service access.
“We are on the right path, and significant progress has been made through our partnerships and strategic initiatives. The integration of digital identity and other elements of DPI is set to further drive Nigeria’s development and innovation,” Coker-Odusote added.
Speaking also, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, lauded the digital identity system, noting its crucial role in enabling the government to effectively plan and implement socio-economic programs.
“Proper identification is needed for the government to implement its transformative policies targeted at improving livelihoods,” he said.
“If you do not get the identity of the people right, you cannot protect or provide for them.”
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the digital identity system would help bridge gaps in service delivery, ensuring that Nigerians receive the benefits of government programs based on accurate data.
“Knowing the identity of the people allows the government to better understand their needs and aspirations, making it easier to deliver on our promises,” he added.
The CEO of Airtel Nigeria, Carl Cruz, also addressed the significance of digital public infrastructure, emphasizing that DPIs are key enablers of digital economies.
“With DPI, countries can unlock new opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and societal advancement,” Cruz remarked.
The unveiling of NIMC’s new logo symbolizes a renewed vision for the future of digital identity in Nigeria.
As Nigeria moves forward with its ambitious digital identity agenda, the successful implementation of these initiatives is expected to drive innovation, foster transparency, and enhance service delivery, bringing the country closer to achieving its developmental goals.
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