NIMC Seeks Media Collaboration to Enhance National Identity Management

In a bid to strengthen the partnership between the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the online media landscape, the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, welcomed publishers of online newspapers in Nigeria to a pivotal 2-day Roundtable.

Addressing the gathering, Coker-Odusote emphasized the crucial role of online media in the digital age, stating that the internet has become a primary source of information for many, particularly the youth. However, he also acknowledged the potential for the spread of misinformation and rumors, which can severely impact the reputation and trust in organizations like NIMC.

“Our focus today is to address the dual role of online publishers – as key partners in disseminating accurate information and as potential sources of misconceptions,” Coker-Odusote said. “This Roundtable aims to forge a partnership that leverages your strengths to support our mission while ensuring that any misconceptions are promptly and accurately addressed.”

The NIMC Chief Executive highlighted the robust mechanisms the commission has put in place for participation, grievance redress, and regular monitoring to enhance operational performance and mitigate social risks. He also reiterated NIMC’s commitment to compliance with the highest standards of data security and protection, as well as the free-of-charge enrolment for the National Identification Number (NIN) in Nigeria.

Coker-Odusote emphasized the vital role of online publishers in educating the public about NIMC’s activities, operations, and the benefits of a robust national identity management system. He expressed his expectation that the Roundtable would identify sustainable strategic activities and engagements to effectively promote NIMC’s goals and address any existing misconceptions.

“It is our intention to build strategic communication bridges between NIMC and online publishers, facilitating effective information dissemination,” Coker-Odusote said. “NIMC, under my watch, seeks to foster a friendly and collaborative atmosphere that will lead to more positive coverage and support from the media.”

The NIMC Director General also took the opportunity to reassure Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, about the robust measures in place to safeguard the nation’s database from cyber threats, including compliance with the stringent ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management System Standard.

As the Roundtable progressed, Coker-Odusote expressed his hope for a productive relationship between NIMC and online publishers, one that would enhance the visibility, trust, and goodwill of the commission, ensuring that its message reaches the public accurately and effectively.

In her remarks, Mrs Tito Ejenavi, the Coordinator of the Project Implementation Unit for the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project, emphasized the importance of media in shaping public opinion and disseminating information for the country’s identity management initiative.

Mrs Ejenavi disclosed that the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project is a collaborative effort, jointly funded by the World Bank, the European Investment Bank, and the French Development Agency, with the goal of increasing the number of Nigerians with a National Identity Number (NIN) through an inclusive foundational identity system.

“Our mission is rooted in the principle of inclusion,” Mrs Ejenavi stated. “Historically, identity systems have often inadvertently marginalized certain groups due to logistical challenges and social stigmas, particularly affecting women and persons with disabilities.”

The project aims to reverse this trend by ensuring that the national ID system is inclusive, equitable, and accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of their socio-economic status, gender, or physical abilities.

“By strengthening our national identity infrastructure, we aim to bolster Nigeria’s digital economy, enhance data protection, and close the inclusion gaps that hinder access to identification and related key services,” Mrs Ejenavi explained.

The Coordinator acknowledged the crucial role of NIMC as the implementing agency for the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project and expressed gratitude for the leadership and support of the NIMC Director General and CEO, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote.

The Coordinator urged the media representatives to continue supporting the National Identity Management Commission and the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind in the country’s digital identity efforts.