The National Identity Management Commission has launched a self-service option that allows Nigerians to register for a National Identification Number using a smartphone from the comfort of their own home.
On Saturday, the Commission and the Ministry of Interior commemorated the 5th Identity Day in Abuja by launching the platform.
Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the Commission’s Acting Director General/CEO, emphasized the importance of identity in the country during the launch.
“Identity is more than a card or a number,” she explained, “it symbolizes our existence, our privileges, and our role in society.” It opens the door to important services, social benefits, and paths to personal and economic success. It is a monument to our uniqueness while also serving as a link to our common humanity.”
She also emphasized the importance of remaining diligent in protecting the integrity and security of identification systems by prioritizing privacy and data protection standards.
“Above all, we must be inclusive, leaving no one behind as we strive to give identity solutions for all,” she continued.
The NIMC chief also stated that a proper identity management system may help the government confront insecurity and provide assistance to Nigerians, among other benefits.
“We are striving to increase the turn-around time of registration,” she added of the self-service solution platform. I’ve heard a lot of complaints about going to register from ordinary Nigerians. It takes them a long time to register, and it also takes them a long time to receive feedback after registration is complete.
“So, what we’re attempting to do is make it as simple as possible for you to register from the comfort of your own home.” If you do not have access to a digital tool, you can contact the NIMC office or any of our front-end partners in your area.”
Following the occasion, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, stated that the Federal Government plans to harmonise all data pertaining to Nigerian identification.
“I want to assure you that we are working on the methods of harmonising all of our identity data, from BVN to telcos, the NIMC, voter identification, and everything,” he stated. We will collaborate closely with NIMC because, by law, NIMC is a statutory agency with the authority to harmonise and manage the nation’s identity database.”
Banksforte Technology Limited, a subsidiary of the Banksforte Group that provides services in project management, construction engineering, ICT, and other fields, will power the NIMC self-service enrolment system.
Despite its Saturday launch, the self-service application was not yet accessible for download on both the PlayStore and the App Store, according to TheNigerianNews.
Mr Dayo Bankole, Chief Executive Officer of Barnksforte Technology Limited, stated that the application was developed in collaboration with NIMC and is known as the NIMC Contactless Biometric Solution.
He stated that the NIMC will determine when it will be accessible for download. But I am confident that it will be available as soon as feasible.”
The app will eliminate the need for Nigerians, especially those in the diaspora, to attend a NIMC or partner-agent office for NIN-related concerns.
It also allows for changes, such as changing one’s age, which the Barnksforte CEO claims can only be done once on the app.
