FG to Commence Harmonisation of Identity Systems

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has said talks will soon begin among all relevant stakeholders in the national identity system to work out modalities on how to harmonise all the various identity systems for seamless and efficient service delivery in the country.

He said the discussion would involve all the relevant stakeholders concerned, ranging from the INEC, banks, FRSC, NPC, immigration, NCC, and others with the NIMC as a statutory body empowered by law to achieve the target in no distant future.

The minister disclosed this yesterday and at the fifth Identity Day commemoration held in Abuja with the theme: ‘Identity As Catalyst for Nigeria’s Development – Examining the Role of Identity in Key Government Programmes of Social Safety Net, Financial Inclusion, promotion of Good Governance and Transparency.’

He said the harmonisation and management of national identity were what the country needed now as a major means of mitigating and controlling crime as well as for national development.

The event was the first one under the current administration of  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and since the movement of the NIMC to the Ministry of Interior.

Ojo, who described the theme as a catalyst to Nigeria’s development underscored the importance of ID management on nation-building, saying that identity remains key in everyday lives, which is why it is commemorated on this Day every year.

Highlighting the progress made so far in ensuring digital identity inclusion for everyone, the minister said future solutions can be put in place to ensure better lives for the citizens and legal residents of Nigeria.

“We live in the modern digital age where a secure and verifiable identity is vital for any set system to work.

“You can’t access bank services and get ATM cards without proving your identity. You can’t even engage with others on online social media platforms without first verifying your identity. So, identity is key in our everyday lives, which is why we commemorate this day today,” he added.