Nigerians to Use NIN for Social Services Access, Announces SGF Akume
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has announced that Nigerians will now need the National Identification Number (NIN) to access various social services. This move is also aimed at ensuring that vulnerable populations can benefit from government palliatives.
Akume made the declaration while opening an Inter-Ministerial retreat on the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos. Represented by Professor Babatunde Bolaji, the SGF stressed that providing a digital identity for all Nigerians is a central priority for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He called on all government agencies to work closely with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to build a strong and inclusive national identity system.
He also commended the NIMC Director-General, Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, for her leadership and dedication to the Commission’s goals. Akume assured her of his full support in executing reforms to reposition the NIMC through the ID4D Project.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Tanko Sununu, praised the leadership of NIMC and the efforts of the ID4D team. He emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that the NIN is used to improve access to social services and palliatives for the country’s most vulnerable groups.
NIMC’s Director-General, represented by Ayobami Abiola, Technical Assistant on Policy and Partnerships, expressed gratitude for the support received from the SGF and the Ministry. She highlighted the retreat as an opportunity to reflect on past achievements and strategize for the future.
“We are optimistic that with continued collaboration between agencies and stakeholders, we will rapidly advance our mission to ensure every Nigerian and legal resident has a verifiable digital identity,” said the NIMC DG, who also serves as the Secretary of the PESC.
