The Nigerian government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening the national identity system, urging full support for the National Identity Management Commission to accelerate digital identity enrolment and reforms.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said Nigerians would be required to use the National Identification Number to access social services, including palliatives for the poor and vulnerable.

Akume, represented by Professor Babatunde Bolaji, made the remarks recently while declaring open an inter-ministerial retreat on the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Project in Lagos.

He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu considers digital identity a priority and called for greater inter-agency collaboration to strengthen the system.

“The provision of a verifiable digital identity for all Nigerians is a cardinal focus of this administration,” Akume said. “Government agencies must support NIMC to establish a robust and inclusive identity system.”

The ID4D project, backed by the World Bank, aims to enhance Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem by expanding NIN enrolment and ensuring its integration with government services.

Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Tanko Sununu, also endorsed the initiative, saying his ministry would work closely with NIMC to ensure that NIN is the key identifier for social interventions.

NIMC Director-General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, represented by Ayobami Abiola, the Commission’s Technical Assistant on Policy and Partnerships, assured stakeholders of NIMC’s commitment to delivering a functional digital identity system.

“The enthusiasm and collaboration at this retreat reaffirm our dedication to repositioning the national identity system,” she said.

The retreat, attended by key government officials and project stakeholders, reviewed progress on digital identity implementation and discussed strategies to address operational challenges.

So far, approximately 115 million Nigerians and legal residents have been issued the NIN. This milestone reflects significant progress in the country’s efforts to establish a comprehensive digital identity system.