NIMC reaffirms commitment to Nigeria’s digital identity infrastructure, secure service delivery

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has reiterated its commitment to building a robust and inclusive Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) ecosystem aimed at improving governance, strengthening national security, enhancing public service delivery, and accelerating socio-economic development across Nigeria.

Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, made the commitment at a digital conference themed “Building Africa’s Digital Foundations Together,” held in Abuja.

The NIMC boss, who was represented at the event by the Head of Infrastructure Technology and Identity Databases (IT/IDD), Mr. Sulaiman Falade, stated that the commission is actively driving Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure through strategic reforms, institutional partnerships, and the deployment of secure digital identity systems designed to support efficient and transparent service delivery for citizens and residents.

According to her, the National Identification Number (NIN) remains central to Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda, serving as a critical tool for digital authentication, identity verification, and access to both government and private sector services.

She explained that the Federal Government has continued to prioritise the integration of the NIN into public administration and digital operations across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

“In line with the Presidential Directive issued on April 5, 2024, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies have been mandated to ensure the effective use of the NIN in driving policies related to data capture, identity verification, and biometric authentication across all digital services,” she said.

She added that NIMC has already established the necessary structures and implementation frameworks to ensure compliance and effective deployment of the directive across the country.

READ ALSO: NIMC rolls out real-time whatsApp support for NIN users

Engr. Coker-Odusote further stressed that the Federal Government remains focused on establishing a unified, secure and interoperable digital identity ecosystem capable of promoting transparency, accountability and seamless access to essential services.

She noted that the commission continues to play a leading role in supporting digital governance and national development objectives through the integration of identity systems and innovative digital solutions.

As part of the broader Digital Public Infrastructure framework, she disclosed that NIMC has intensified efforts toward deploying the National Public Key Infrastructure (nPKI), a system aimed at strengthening trust in digital transactions, protecting citizens’ personal data, and promoting secure online interactions.

According to her, the deployment of secure digital identity systems is expected to improve confidence in electronic transactions while supporting the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.

The NIMC DG also called on stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to continue supporting the implementation of Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem and other technology-driven initiatives designed to improve service delivery outcomes for Nigerians.

She reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to leveraging technology, innovation and secure digital systems to build a more connected, efficient and resilient nation.

Industry stakeholders at the conference reportedly highlighted the growing importance of digital identity systems in enhancing financial inclusion, improving access to government interventions, and strengthening institutional efficiency across Africa.

The conference focused on strategies for building sustainable digital foundations capable of supporting governance, economic growth, and technological advancement on the continent.