By Sami Tunji, The Punch Newspaper
The National Identity Management Commission has launched a self-service solution that allows Nigerians to register for the National Identification Number from the comfort of their house through a smartphone.
The platform was launched at the commemoration of the 5th Identity Day by the Commission and the Ministry of Interior on Saturday in Abuja.
At the launch, the Commission’s Acting Director General/CEO, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, stressed the critical role of identity in the country.
She said, “Identity is more than a mere card or a number; it symbolizes 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.”
She also stressed the need to remain vigilant in safeguarding the integrity and security of identity systems by prioritizing the principles of privacy and data protection.
She added, “Above all, we must be inclusive, leaving no one behind as we endeavor to provide identity solutions for all.”
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.
On the reason for the self-service solution platform, she said “We are trying to increase the turn-around time of registration. I have heard a lot of complaints from the average Nigerian 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 neighborhood.”
Speaking with the press after the event, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said that the Federal Government intends to harmonize all data regarding the identification of Nigerians.
He said, “I want to assure you that very soon, we are working on the modalities of harmonizing 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 harmonize and maintain an identity database for the nation.”
The NIMC self-service enrolment system will be powered by Banksforte Technology Limited, a subsidiary of Banksforte Group, which offers services in project management, construction engineering, ICT, and other areas.
The Punch Newspaper observed that despite the launch on Saturday, the self-service application was not available for download yet on both PlayStore and App Store.
Speaking with the Chief Executive Officer, Barnksforte Technology Limited, Mr Dayo Bankole, said that the application was created in partnership with NIMC and is called NIMC Contactless Biometric Solution.
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 app will save Nigerians, including those in the diaspora from having to visit a NIMC office or partner-agent office for NIN-related issues.
It also allows modifications, such as the change of one’s age, which the Barnksforte CEO said can only be done once on the application.