Tag: NIMC

• …NIN/SIM linkage 153 million

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has upscaled its infrastructures to host 250 million identities in its National Identity database while so far 115 million Nigerians have been captured in its database. 

Also through the record-breaking enrolment of 115 million Nigerians in its database, about 3 million farmers and 800,000 students have benefitted from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) initiated by the Tinubu administration. 

Our correspondent gathered in Abuja at the weekend that the strategic reforms initiated by the Director General/CEO of NIMC, Engr Abisoye Coker-Odusote, aligned with the policy thrust of the Tinubu administration to adopt technological solutions and platforms to address the challenges facing the country. 

Coker-Odusote said at a media forum in Abuja at the weekend that the collaboration with major stakeholders has not only deepened financial inclusion but provided opportunities for accelerated economic growth and development for the country.

Read Also: NIMC implements key measures to boost staff welfare

Part of the collaboration, especially with the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has led to the linkage of 153 million active Subscribers Identity Modules (SIM) with the National Identity Numbers (NIN) of Nigerians.

Coker-Odusote who described the capturing of 115 million Nigerians on the NIMC database as record-breaking, also said NIMC has cleared two years’ backlog of payments owed to its Front-End Partners (FEPs).

Represented at the forum by NIMC Director of ICT/Identity Data Base, Engr. Lanre Yusuf, the NIMC boss said: “We have taken deliberate steps to ensure effective service delivery by modernizing infrastructure and clearing backlogs. These measures are part of a larger vision to create an inclusive and robust identity system that benefits every Nigerian.”

She said one year of her appointment as NIMC boss has been significant as landmark achievements have been recorded as the Commission played pivotal roles in advancing Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem.

She attributed the success to strategic reforms and innovations aimed at fostering inclusivity, strengthening inter-agency collaboration, and expanding access to NIMC services.

According to her, the present leadership of NIMC deployed over 800 mobile enrolment devices and established territorial offices across the country to reduce waiting times for registration and save citizens productive hours.

“These efforts propelled NIN enrolments to 115 million, backed by an expanded National Identity Database now capable of hosting 250 million identities,” she said. 

“NIMC has strengthened inter-agency collaboration by integrating the NIN with key agencies such as the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC.

“Technological advancements, including an upgraded NIMS Middleware and a forthcoming NIN authentication app, promise enhanced data security and citizen control over personal information in compliance with national data protection regulations are also top-notch”, she said. 

Coker-Odusote also announced plans to improve verification services with a 99% uptime guarantee, further solidifying NIN’s role as a foundational tool for identity verification across government and private sectors.

She noted that the reintroduction of the General Multipurpose Card (GMPC) with advanced applets for secure payments and multi-functional use cases marks a significant leap in fostering financial inclusion. 

“A card is now a vital tool for accessing essential services locally and internationally”, she said. 

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) on Friday says Nigerians would have to pay for the new multipurpose national Identity card due to limited government revenue.

The NIMC  Head of Card Management Services, Dr Peter Iwegbu, said this during a two-day round table event organised for online editors in Lagos.

Iwegbu said that the payment was to ensure that it was produced for only those who needed it.

According to him, the decision was made to avoid repeating the mistake of the past efforts to issue physical cards to Nigerians for free, which many Nigerians did not collect.

Iwegbu said that over two million cards were produced in a previous attempt for free by the NIMC, but many of them were uncollected to date.

“The government’s limited revenue is also a major factor in the decision to make Nigerians pay for the new ID card,” he said.

Iwegbu explained that the government could not fund the production of ID cards this time around.

Similarly, the Director of Information Technology at NIMC, Lanre Yusuf, said that the idea of a free national ID card did not turn out well in the past.

Yusuf said that the new ID card is a post-paid identity card, which means that individuals must need the card before initiating a request for it.

“To get the new national ID card, Nigerians will need to make a payment, select a pickup location, and then collect their card from the chosen location.

“The government has implemented programmes to make the card accessible to less privileged Nigerians who cannot afford it but require it to access government support.

“This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to inclusivity and equality, “ Yusuf said.

Read Also: NIMC implements key measures to boost staff welfare

He noted that the multipurpose ID cards were expected to launch soon, with sample test cards already received.

Yusuf added to facilitate a seamless experience, NIMC had partnered with banks across the country, allowing Nigerians to request and collect their cards from any bank branch.

“NIMC is working with banks across the country, which will make it possible for people to walk into any bank closest to them and request the card.

“The new national ID card is a multipurpose card that can serve the purpose of identity verification, payments, and even government services,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the card, which will be powered by AfriGO, was launched in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS).

The card will be enabled for all government intervention and services across multiple Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

(NAN)

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has reminded Nigerians and legal residents that the September 14 deadline given by the Federal Government for the linkage of the National Identification Number (NIN) with the Subscribers Identity Modules (SIM) remains sacrosanct.

The commission said its equipment and workers in the over 10,000 registration outlets across the country and in the diaspora are working seamlessly without hitch for enrolment, verification and authentication, as well as modification of data.

A statement by its Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Kayode Adegoke, reads: “The commission wishes to reiterate that all its over 10,000 NIN enrolment centres across the country and in the diaspora are open for NIN enrolment. Nigerians and legal residents can visit any of the centres to enrol and be issued the NIN.

Read Also: Over 22 million children now captured in NIMC database – Coker-Odusote

“This assurance is given in light of September 14, 2024 deadline for the NIN-SIM linkage.

“NIMC also wishes to inform Nigerians and legal residents that any applicant who wants to modify his or her NIN data can do so through the NIMC self-service portal: self-servicemodification.nimc.gov.ng (terms and conditions apply).

“Furthermore, NIN holders and applicants can make enquiries on NIN enrolment centres, processes and procedures for NIN data modifications, NIN verification issues and any other enquiries, via: www.nimc.gov.ng.

“The commission reaffirms its commitment to zero tolerance for all forms of extortion and unethical practices and that NIN enrolment is free! Any issues bothering on extortion of applicants or any form of unwholesome practices can be escalated to: nimccustomercare@nimc.gov.ng. Mobile number: 07002255646.”

The statement restated the commission’s commitment to providing excellent and world-class identity management services to Nigerians and legal residents.

The director general of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Abisoye Coker-Odusote has disclosed that so far over 22 million children have now been captured in the NIMC database.

Odusote, who said data safety remained the priority of the Commission, noted that the figure represented 20 percent of the 109 million citizens and residents captured in its National Identity Database (NIDB).

She stated that as a top-notch security architecture is being developed to safeguard citizens’ data, the NIMC will make significant progress soon, particularly with the introduction of new features within the system.

The DG emphasised the importance of Safety and protection of citizens’ data more so as the country commemorated National Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Day.

Coker-Odusote, made the remarks at a stakeholders’ engagement to commemorate the 2024 edition of the civil registration and Vital Statistics Day.

A statement from the Head of Corporate Communications of NIMC, Kayode Adegoke said Odusote was represented by Lanre Yusuf, Director of Information Technology and Identity Database (IT/IDD) at the event.

Read Also: NIMC DG assures of inclusion in identity project

She said NIMC has put in place top-notch security architects to protect the Citizens’ Data and ensure seamless capturing of citizens for the National Identity Numbers, (NIN).

She assured that the Commission would ensure that the National Identification Number (NIN) Database is safe and secure.

The NIMC boss also commended the concerted efforts of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the National Population Commission (NPC) towards an inclusive digital identity system in Nigeria.

She reiterated the strategic partnership with the NPC and other Government agencies to enroll and issue NIN to all Nigerians, particularly children below the age of 16 years, adding that NIMC plans to go to the hinterland to enroll all Nigerians

 She said the NIMC would ensure timely and accurate NIN enrolment of all Nigerians and legal residents within the shortest time possible.

The NIMC boss also used the occasion to inform Nigerians that the Improved General Multiple Purpose Card (GMPC) will be launched soon to support the federal government’s drive for inclusivity, social safety net program, and other programs targeted towards the Citizens.

The Citizen Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) has backed the decision of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to address issues of data breaches by online vendors.

The organisation urged NIMC to go all out to ensure that individuals within and outside of its system found culpable in the breach of sensitive data be made to face the full wrath of the law.

The civil society group said in a statement signed by its executive director, Frank Tietie that NIMC had been proactive in identifying and disowning websites found to be selling National Identity Number (NIN) data.

The statement said: “As a responsible citizen-based organisation, we at CASER have been following the trend of issues on the breach of data and acknowledge the position of the National Identity Management Commission NIMC that its database has not been compromised.

“We are elated that NIMC moved swiftly to identify no fewer than five websites found to be involved in data phishing and sales of NIN information and ensured that they are put out of operation. This is what is expected of a responsible government agency.

Read Also: NIN: NIMC warns against usage of data harvesters’ portals

“Our investigation also showed that a number of unscrupulous individuals found culpable have been arrested by security operatives in the course of discreet investigation.

“This is also a laudable feat and we urge NIMC to continue to cooperate with the security agencies to ensure that examples are made of those found involved, no matter how highly placed, once the investigation is completed.

“We however want to advise Nigerians to be wary of phishing sites including those whose links are shared in WhatsApp groups to avoid data harvesting that could comprise their personal information.”

….says its systems not compromised

The National Identity Management Commission has warned Nigerians against the usage of portals belonging to data harvesters to register for their National Identity Numbers, NIN.

The Commission maintained that its systems are intact, secure and not compromised.

NIMC in a statement signed by its Head of Corporate Communications,  Dr Kayode Adegoke said there was no exposure of sensitive data of Nigerian citizens to unauthorised agencies or entities.

“The Commission, at this moment, assures the public that the data of Nigerians has not been compromised, and the Commission has not authorised any website or entity to sell or misuse the National Identification Number (NIN),” Adegoke said.

Adegoke warned Nigerians against the following websites: idfinder.com.ng; Verify. Ng/sign in, championtech.com.ng, trustyonline.com, and anyverify.com, saying that they “are data harvesters not authorised by NIMC to access or manage sensitive data.”

Adegoke said:”NIMC urges the public to disregard any claims or services these websites offer and should not give their data as they are potentially fraudulent and data provided by the public on such websites are gathered and stored to build the data services they illegally provide.

“Consequently, the public should know that the Commission has taken robust measures to safeguard the nation’s database from cyber threats- a secure, world-class, full-proof database is in place.

“The commission’s infrastructure meets the stringent ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management System Standard, with annual recertification and strict compliance with the Nigerian Data Protection Law.

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“Furthermore, NIMC advises Nigerians to avoid giving their data to unauthorised and phishing sites. This poses the danger of data harvesting and comprises individual data.

“The Commission reaffirms its commitment to upholding ethical standards in data protection in line with federal government directives and data privacy regulations.

“Moreover, licensed partners or vendors are not authorised to scan or store NIN slips but to verify NINs through approved channels.

“The Commission is currently working closely with security operatives to apprehend these elements masquerading as online vendors, and they will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

“NIMC urges the public to remain vigilant against false information and rely on verified sources for accurate updates.

“The Commission remains committed to providing secure and reliable identity management and upholding the highest level of security for systems and databases, which are critical national assets.”

The National Identity Management Commission(NIMC) has warned Nigerians against the usage of portals belonging to data harvesters to register for National Identity Numbers (NIN).

The Commission maintained that its systems are intact, secure and not compromised.

NIMC, in a statement by its Head of Corporate Communications, Dr Kayode Adegoke, said there was no exposure of sensitive data of Nigerian citizens to unauthorised agencies or entities.

The Commission assured the public that the data of Nigerians has not been compromised, and the Commission has not authorised any website or entity to sell or misuse the National Identification Number (NIN), Adegoke said.

Adegoke warned Nigerians against the following websites: idfinder.com.ng; Verify. Ng/sign in, championtech.com.ng, trustyonline.com, and anyverify.com, saying that they “are data harvesters not authorised by NIMC to access or manage sensitive data.”

Adegoke said:”NIMC urges the public to disregard any claims or services these websites offer and should not give their data as they are potentially fraudulent and data provided by the public on such websites are gathered and stored to build the data services they illegally provide.

“Consequently, the public should know that the Commission has taken robust measures to safeguard the nation’s database from cyber threats- a secure, world-class, full-proof database is in place.

“The commission’s infrastructure meets the stringent ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management System Standard, with annual recertification and strict compliance with the Nigerian Data Protection Law.

“Furthermore, NIMC advises Nigerians to avoid giving their data to unauthorised and phishing sites. This poses the danger of data harvesting and comprises individual data.

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“The Commission reaffirms its commitment to upholding ethical standards in data protection in line with federal government directives and data privacy regulations.

“Moreover, licensed partners or vendors are not authorised to scan or store NIN slips but to verify NINs through approved channels.

“The Commission is currently working closely with security operatives to apprehend these elements masquerading as online vendors, and they will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

“NIMC urges the public to remain vigilant against false information and rely on verified sources for accurate updates.

” The Commission remains committed to providing secure and reliable identity management and upholding the highest level of security for systems and databases, which are critical national assets.”