By Martin Odiete
In recent years, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has witnessed a significant upsurge in activities, transforming the country’s identity management landscape. At the helm of this transformation is Engr. Abisoye Coker Odusote, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer (DG/CEO) of NIMC. Under her visionary leadership, the commission has made tremendous strides in advancing Nigeria’s identity management system.
To fully appreciate the significant impact Engr. Abisoye Coker Odusote has had on NIMC, it’s essential to understand the organization’s state before her arrival. This involves looking back at NIMC’s history and familiarizing ourselves with the challenges and opportunities that existed prior to her leadership
You may want to recall that the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has its roots in the 1990s, when the Nigerian government recognized the need for a centralized identity management system.
In the 1990s, the Nigerian government established the National Identity Card Management Commission to oversee the creation and management of a national identity card. However, the project faced significant challenges, including funding issues and technological limitations.
In 2007, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) was established by the NIMC Act No. 23, which repealed the earlier National Identity Card Management Commission. The new commission was tasked with creating and managing a national identity database, as well as issuing unique identifiers to Nigerian citizens.
Despite its establishment, NIMC faced significant challenges, including inadequate funding, technological issues, and bureaucratic delays. The commission struggled to enroll citizens, and the national identity database remained incomplete. By 2019, NIMC had enrolled only a fraction of the Nigerian population, and the commission’s efforts were hampered by inefficiencies and corruption.
However, in 2019, the Nigerian government recognized the need for a more effective and efficient identity management system. The government began to reposition NIMC, paving the way for the appointment of a new leadership team, including Engr. Abisoye Coker Odusote as the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer.
Engr. Abisoye Coker Odusote is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in engineering, technology, and management. Her expertise spans over three decades, with a proven track record of delivering high-impact projects and leading teams to achieve exceptional results.
Since assuming office as the DG/CEO of NIMC, Engr. Odusote has been instrumental in driving the commission’s transformation agenda. Her leadership has been marked by a series of innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing the country’s identity management system.
Some of her notable contributions include:
1. Digital Identity Ecosystem: Engr. Odusote has been at the forefront of developing a robust digital identity ecosystem for Nigeria. This initiative aims to create a unified identity management system that enables seamless authentication and verification of citizens’ identities.
2. National Identity Number (NIN) Enrollment: Under her leadership, NIMC has witnessed a significant increase in NIN enrollments. The commission has established a network of enrollment centers across the country, making it easier for citizens to obtain their NIN.
3. Partnerships and Collaborations: Engr. Odusote has fostered strategic partnerships with various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector organizations, media organizations like the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE), and international partners. These collaborations have enabled NIMC to leverage resources, expertise, and technology to enhance its operations.
4. Capacity Building and Staff Development: Recognizing the importance of human capital in driving the commission’s success, Engr. Odusote has prioritized capacity building, staff development and welfare. Her leadership has led to the creation of training programs, workshops, and conferences that enhance the skills and knowledge of NIMC staff.
Engr. Odusote’s outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s identity management landscape have not gone unnoticed. She has received several awards and recognition, including the “Most Outstanding Public Servant of the Year” award. She was also recently conferred with an honourary doctorate by the African University of Science and Technology, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.
Her visionary leadership has been instrumental in transforming NIMC into a world-class identity management institution. Her contributions have had a profound impact on Nigeria’s identity management landscape, and her legacy will continue to shape the country’s future. As NIMC continues to evolve and grow, Engr. Odusote’s leadership will remain a driving force behind its success.
Martin Odiete is the Publisher of www.theajasanews.com, and President, Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE)
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