CEM REPORT, TECHNOLOGY | The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken another leap forward in its digitalisation and citizen identification agenda with the launch of a new National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Self-Service Enrolment System.
The self-service solution built into an application will allow Nigerians to register for the National Identification Number (NIN) through their smartphones.
This self-service app was launched by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior and Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the Acting Director General/CEO of NIMC, at the commemoration of the 5th Identity Day by the Commission and the Ministry of Interior on Saturday in Abuja.
The NIMC self-service enrolment system called NIMC Contactless Biometric Solution will be powered by Banksforte Technology Limited, a subsidiary of Banksforte Group, in partnership with NIMC.
Coker-Odusote stressed that the self-service solution was necessary to ease the process of registration, thereby reducing the inconvenience associated with the current registration procedures.
“Several Nigerians have voiced their dissatisfaction with the existing registration methods, highlighting prolonged waiting times and delayed response times following registration as their primary concerns.
“We are trying to increase the turn-around time of registration. I have heard a lot of complaints from the average Nigerians about going for a registration. It takes them a long time and it also takes them a long time to get feedback after registration has been completed.
“So, what are trying to do is to create an ease of access for you to be able to register from the comfort of your own house. If you don’t have access to a digital tool, you can approach the NIMC office or any of our front-end partners that are in your neighbourhood.”
According to her the new platform births the need to become more vigilant in safeguarding the integrity and security of identity systems by prioritizing the principles of privacy and data protection.
The NIMC boss also said that a proper identity management system can help the country in combating insecurity and providing support to Nigerians, among other benefits.
“Identity is more than a mere card or a number; it symbolises our existence, our entitlements, and our place within society. It unlocks access to essential services, social benefits, and pathways to personal and economic growth. It stands as a testament to our individuality while serving as a bridge to our shared humanity.”
The Chief Executive Officer, Barnksforte Technology Limited, Dayo Bankole, on his part, said the app will save Nigerians, including those in the diaspora from having to visit a NIMC office or partner-agent office for NIN-related issues
He added that the app also allows modifications, such as the change of age amongst other details.
On when it will be available for download, he said, “that will be determined by the NIMC. But I am sure it will be out as soon as possible.”
The application as of the time of press is not available on Google and iOS stores from CEM observations.
Speaking with the press after the event, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said that the Federal Government intends to harmonise all data regarding the identification of Nigerians.
“I want to assure you that very soon, we are working on the modalities of harmonising all identity data that we have, from BVN to the telcos, the NIMC, voters’ identification, and everything. We will be working closely with NIMC because, by law, NIMC is a statutory body that is given the power to harmonise and maintain an identity database for the nation.”
