The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is setting a target of registering 20 to 25 million National Identity Numbers (NINs) by the end of 2024. This ambitious goal follows the revalidation and licensing of 96 Front End Partners (FEPs) by NIMC to expedite the enrollment process nationwide.
The announcement of this new target aligns with the World Bank’s expectations under the Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) project, projecting NIN enrollments to reach 148 million by June 2024.
During the Commission’s Management Retreat in Lagos on Friday, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the Director General and CEO of NIMC, urged the FEPs to ensure inclusivity in the NIN registration process. She emphasized compliance with the terms of the Nigerian Data Protection Act and highlighted the significance of maintaining the integrity of the enrollment process.
Coker-Odusote stated, “Our mission at NIMC is clear: to equip each Nigerian and legal resident with a unique and secure National Identification Number (NIN). This number is the key to accessing critical services, social benefits, and economic prospects. However, in order to accomplish this, we must ensure the integrity of our enrollment process.”
The Director General called on the FEPs to act as a crucial link between citizens and the NIMC enrollment ecosystem, emphasizing the need for professionalism and excellent communication to protect the database from errors, fraud, and threats to its integrity.
She continued, “While we welcome the expansion of our National Identity Database to over 104 million captured NINs, and targeting additional 20 to 25 million NINs registration by the end of 2024, we cannot rest on our laurels. Millions more are waiting to be enrolled.”
In her presentation, Mrs. Carolyn Folami, the Director of Business Development and Commercial Services at NIMC, announced the revalidation of 96 FEPs and the commencement of payment for their outstanding arrears. She assured FEPs of the commission’s commitment to settling the remaining balance promptly.
Jibyes Consulting, one of NIMC’s FEPs, expressed gratitude for the government’s prompt payment of outstanding arrears. Tunde Ogunmola from Jibyes Consulting stated, “We have been looking forward to our meeting with the DG/CEO of NIMC. It’s an opportunity to interact while increasing enrollment. We need more of this type of interaction to improve performance. The ongoing revalidation is an essential step to sanitize the system, as many things were not working properly prior to this point. I can certainly certify that payment has begun. Jibyes Consulting has received payment from the NIMC, and we are pleased.”