By Walter Duru, Ph.D

The digital age has reshaped how we consume and disseminate information, with online media playing a crucial role in shaping public perception and opinion.

Recognizing this, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), with support from the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project, recently organized a two-day roundtable with online newspaper publishers in Nigeria.

The Roundtable, held in two batches, at Lagos and Abuja, respectively, provided participants the opportunity to understand and appreciate the activities, strategy, approach, achievements, and challenges of NIMC. It was the first of its kind, since the establishment of the commission.

This collaborative initiative underscores the importance of dialogue between regulatory bodies and media stakeholders in shaping the future of identity management in the country. It marks a significant step toward enhancing communication, collaboration, and mutual understanding between NIMC and digital media stakeholders.

The roundtable, themed “Building Trust and Collaboration in the Digital Age: Enhancing Communication Between NIMC and Online Publishers,” aimed to bridge the gap between NIMC and the digital media.

It provided an opportunity for NIMC to articulate its mandate, vision, activities, and achievements directly to the publishers while addressing some misconceptions surrounding its operations. The roundtable laid the foundation for future interactions and collaborative efforts.

The event was also designed to foster a partnership that leverages the strengths of online media to support NIMC’s mission and to ensure accurate dissemination of information.

In her opening remarks at the event, NIMC Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with the media to combat misinformation and to enhance the visibility of NIMC’s efforts.

“As we gather here today, we are united by a common goal: to build formidable bridges between the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the influential voices of the online media landscape.”

“In the digital age, the influence of online media cannot be overstated. The internet has become a primary source of information for many, particularly the youth. However, it is also a breeding ground for misinformation and rumours, which can severely impact the reputation and trust in organizations.”

“Our focus today is to address the dual role of online publishers – as key partners in disseminating accurate information and as potential sources of misconceptions. We recognize that while you have the power to amplify our successes, there is also the potential for misunderstandings that can spread rapidly.”

“This Roundtable aims to forge a partnership that leverages your strengths to support our mission while ensuring that any misconceptions are promptly and accurately addressed.”

“Pursuant to our commitment to transparency and accountability, we have instituted robust mechanisms for participation, grievance redress, and regular monitoring to enhance operational performance and mitigate social risks.”

“Let me also use this medium to remind you all that enrolment for the National Identification Number (NIN) is free of charge in Nigeria.”

“Taking advantage of this meeting, we hope to provide you with comprehensive insights into NIMC’s activities, objectives, strategies, achievements, and challenges. This knowledge is vital for you to disseminate accurate information to the public.”

“It is also expected that we discuss your roles in the forthcoming NIMC Ecosystem Enrolment exercise, ensuring you understand how you can contribute to this national effort.”

“Let me use this medium to, once again, reassure Nigerians, at home, and in the diaspora that robust measures are in place to safeguard the nation’s database from cyber threats. Under my leadership, NIMC has an unwavering commitment to upholding ethical standards in data protection. Cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies are in place to protect the database.”

Earlier in her remarks, Coordinator, Project Implementation Unit, Nigeria Digital ID4D Project, Tito Ejenavi, highlighted the project’s development objective – to increase the number of persons with a National Identity Number (NIN) through a robust and inclusive foundational identity system.

“By strengthening our national identity infrastructure, we aim to bolster Nigeria’s digital economy, enhance data protection, and close the inclusion gaps that hinder access to identification and related key services,” she explained.

Also, in his remarks, Deputy President, Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) and Publisher of Newsdiary Online, Danlami Nmodu, pledged the continued support and collaboration of online publishers to the commission.

The roundtable featured a series of presentations, interactive sessions, and case studies, aimed at educating participants about NIMC’s operations, strategy, achievements, and plans.

Notable presentations included “NIMC: Mandate, Approach, Operations and Strategy” by Festus Esangbedo and

“Understanding Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote’s 5-Point Agenda for NIMC” by Dr. Alvan Ikoku.

Others are: “Front End Partners in NIN Enrolment: Essence, Approach, Benefits and Challenges”, by Carolyne Folami; “Nigeria Digital ID4D Project and the Ecosystem Enrolment”, by Chinenye Chizea’; “Improvements to NIMC Infrastructure: Implications to Data Integrity, Privacy and Security”, by Chinenye Chizea, and “Online Publishers and Realization of the NIMC Mandate”, By Dr. Walter Duru.

These sessions provided comprehensive insights into the commission’s efforts to maintain a secure, robust and inclusive national identity system.

For online publishers, the roundtable underscored the importance of their role in the national identity management ecosystem. As digital gatekeepers, they have the power to shape narratives and influence public perceptions. The collaboration with NIMC presents an opportunity to enhance their reporting with accurate and comprehensive information directly from the source.

The NIMC’s engagement with online publishers is a strategic move to enhance transparency and build public trust in the National Identity Number (NIN) system. By involving the media, NIMC can ensure accurate and timely dissemination of information, addressing public concerns and misinformation about the digital identity process.

The roundtable provided an opportunity for NIMC to clarify its objectives, challenges, and progress. Online publishers, armed with this knowledge, can produce more informed and insightful content, fostering a more supportive and educated public opinion. This improved understanding can lead to more nuanced reporting, highlighting the benefits and addressing the drawbacks of the NIN system.

As the media amplify the discussions from the roundtable, the general populace stands to benefit from increased awareness about the importance of digital identity. This awareness is crucial for driving the widespread adoption of the NIN, which is essential for the success of various government initiatives aimed at improving service delivery and socio-economic development.

Feedback from online publishers provided NIMC with valuable insights into public sentiment and practical challenges faced by citizens. This collaborative feedback loop can inform policy adjustments and operational improvements, ensuring that the NIN system evolves to meet the needs and expectations of Nigerians effectively.

The outcomes of the roundtable were promising, with enhanced understanding of NIMC’s mandate and activities, strengthened relationships, and the establishment of effective communication bridges between NIMC and online publishers.

To sustain this momentum, several next steps were identified, such as establishing regular communication channels between NIMC and online publishers to ensure continuous engagement and prompt resolution of issues, periodic meetings, among others.

The time has therefore come for NIMC to create a structured framework for ongoing collaboration with online media. This can lead to sustained media support and effective dissemination of information about NIMC’s initiatives.

A comprehensive public education campaign, supported by the media, is essential for demystifying the NIN process and highlighting its benefits.

NIMC, in collaboration with online publishers, can develop and disseminate educational content that addresses common misconceptions and encourages participation in the digital identity system.

Organizing training sessions for online publishers and other media stakeholders on NIMC’s systems and processes will enhance their understanding and reporting accuracy.

By working together, NIMC and online publishers can enhance the visibility, trust, and goodwill of the commission, ensuring that accurate and effective information reaches the public.

No doubt, NIMC’s roundtable with online publishers represents a forward-thinking approach to governance and stakeholder engagement. It highlights the importance of collaboration between national institutions and digital media in fostering a well-informed and inclusive society.

This initiative is not only timely but also critical, given the increasing reliance on digital platforms for information dissemination. It sets the stage for improved public awareness and education on the importance of digital identity.

This partnership is not just beneficial to NIMC but also aligns with the social responsibility obligation of online publishers to inform and educate the public accurately.

As we move forward, sustained engagement, technological innovation, and comprehensive public education will be key to unlocking the full potentials of the NIN and ensuring that it serves as a cornerstone for Nigeria’s digital future.
With the foundation laid for a productive relationship, the future looks promising for NIMC and the online media community.
All hands must be on deck!

Dr. Chike Walter Duru, is a communication expert walterchike@gmail.com.

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In its latest NIN enrolment data release, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) revealed that it has issued National Identification Numbers (NIN) to a total of 104.16 million Nigerians as of December 31, 2023.

Despite this milestone, the country is facing a race against time to meet the World Bank’s target of 148 million NINs by June 2024 under the Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) project.The data indicates a total of 10.13 million NINs were issued throughout 2023, bringing the NIN database from 94.03 million in December 2022 to the current figure.

The slow pace of registration has been a concern, prompting action with the recent appointment of Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote as the new Director-General of NIMC.Lagos State maintains its lead in NIN enrolments, capturing 11.42 million Nigerians, followed closely by Kano State with 9.19 million NINs.

The top ten states also include Kaduna, Ogun, Oyo, Katsina, FCT, Rivers, Delta, and Bauchi.However, certain states face lower enrolment figures, with Kwara, Akwa-Ibom, Kogi, Enugu, Yobe, Taraba, Cross River, Ekiti, Ebonyi, and Bayelsa forming the bottom ten in terms of NIN registrations.Gender distribution data reveals that 59.12 million (56.8%) of the captured individuals are male, while 45.04 million (43.2%) are female.

Despite the progress, meeting the World Bank’s targets remains uncertain, as Nigeria must issue NIN to at least 65 million females and 50 million children under 16 years of age by June 1, 2024.

NIMC assures the public that efforts are underway to accelerate the issuance of digital identity tokens, aligning with the renewed hope mandate of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. As the deadline approaches, the nation remains committed to achieving the ambitious ID4D project goals.

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As of August 28, 2023, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) reports that 102.39 million Nigerians have been assigned their National Identification Number (NIN).

The latest NIN enrolment data reveals that while the pace of enrolment had slowed in July, there was a slight improvement in August. During August, the total enrolment count reached 743,085, a minor increase from the 634,603 recorded in July.

This is a deviation from the trend, as prior to the past two months, the NIN database had been expanding at an average rate of 1 million individuals per month.

The recent appointment of Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote as the new Director-General of NIMC signals a renewed effort to accelerate the issuance of digital identity tokens, aligning with the objectives of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The enrolment data indicates that Lagos State continues to lead in terms of the number of enrolments, with 11.17 million Nigerians registered in the state. Kano State follows closely with 9.07 million registered NIN holders.

These two states, the most populous according to National Bureau of Statistics data, have consistently dominated NIN enrolment.Regarding gender distribution, the NIMC data reveals that 58.15 million individuals, or 56.8% of those enrolled in the NIN database, are male.

On the other hand, 44.23 million individuals, constituting 43.2% of the total enrolment, are female.Apart from Lagos and Kano, other states making the top ten in enrolment numbers include Kaduna with 6.3 million, Ogun with 4.3 million, Oyo with 3.9 million, Katsina with 3.5 million, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with 3.4 million, Rivers with 3 million, Bauchi with 2.7 million, and Delta with 2.7 million.

Conversely, the states with the lowest NIN issuance are Akwa-Ibom, Imo, Kogi, Enugu, Yobe, Taraba, Cross River, Ekiti, Ebonyi, and Bayelsa.

However, the deceleration in enrolments during August might hinder Nigeria’s ability to fulfill the World Bank’s targets set under the Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) project.

By June 2024, Nigeria aims to have issued 148 million NINs, including at least 65 million to female citizens and 50 million to children under the age of 16.

Despite monthly enrolments averaging 1 million, achieving this goal within the next year remains uncertain.

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TECHDIGEST – Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Aliyu Aziz Abubakar has tasked members of the Management of the Commission to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the country’s Public Procurement Act.

The NIMC helmsman gave the charge in Lagos on Monday, while delivering his remarks at a 3-day Interactive Workshop on Procurement and understanding of the World Bank procurement process, procedures, and Ecosystem Enrolment readiness, organized by the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project, in collaboration with NIMC.

According to a Press Release, jointly signed by the Nigeria Digital ID4D project Communications Manager, Dr. Walter Duru and NIMC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, the NIMC CEO stressed that the event was put together to enhance the capacity of the Management team on the provisions and application of the country’s Public Procurement Act.

He spoke on the need for similar training to be held more frequently to ensure improved capacity of team members on contemporary issues in public procurement.

In his statement of the workshop objectives, Project Coordinator, Nigeria Digital Identification Project, Musa Odole Solomon described the meeting as geared towards updating participants on contemporary issues in procurement, adding that “there was the need for understanding the meeting point between the country’s procurement laws and the World Bank’s procurement regulations.”

Also speaking, Director, Legal and Regulatory Affairs at NIMC, Hadiza Dagabana called for the amendment of Nigeria’s Public Procurement Act.

READ ALSO: NCC Renews Commitment to Industry Collaboration, Inclusiveness

According to her, “the Public Procurement Act was passed in 2007. We are in 2023. A lot of things have changed over the years and there are so many gaps in the Act. It is time for an amendment.”

She described the workshop as impactful, urging the participants to put into practice the knowledge acquired.

In her “Overview of Public Procurement Act (2007) and its convergence with the World Bank Procurement Regulations for Borrowers,” Ag. Director of Procurement at the National Identity Management Commission, Princess Nkoyo Iwok, called on public institutions in Nigeria to embrace transparency and accountability in all their transactions, reiterating that sanctions apply for violation of the public procurement law.

Iwok identified some common offences in procurement as “bid rigging, collusion, splitting of contracts, procurement fraud, altering procurement documents, willful refusal to allow bureau and its officers access to any procurement records and using fake documents.”

She highlighted some of the sanctions for violation of the Public Procurement Act to include imprisonment, upon conviction, among others.

On the convergence between World Bank Procurement Guidelines for Borrowers & Nigeria Public Procurement Act 2007, Iwok stressed that “both the World Bank Procurement Guidelines and Nigeria’s Public Procurement Law emphasize the importance of procurement planning.”

On transparency and competition, she explained that “both the World Bank Procurement Guidelines and Nigeria’s Public Procurement Law promote transparency and competition in procurement processes.”

Continuing, she argued that “while there are some similarities between the two procurement frameworks, it is important to note that the World Bank Procurement Guidelines are generally more comprehensive and detailed than Nigeria’s Public Procurement Law. As such, borrowers in Nigeria that are subject to the World Bank Procurement Guidelines will need to ensure that their procurement practices are consistent with both frameworks,” she stressed.

In his presentation on Proposal and Bid Evaluation procedures/Project Risk Management and Control strategy, Procurement Officer, Project Implementation Unit of the Nigeria Digital ID4D, Ibrahim Abu, argued that “procurement is infused with numerous risks,” even as he made a case for proper risk management practices and tactics to reduce same.

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TECHDIGEST – The Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB) has honoured the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project with an Institutional Pillar of Support Award, in appreciation of the project’s support to the Bureau.

According to a Press Release signed by the Nigeria Digital ID4D Communications Manager, Dr. Walter Duru, the Award was received by the Nigeria ID4D Project Coordinator, Musa Odole Solomon at the 2023 edition of the annual National Privacy Week Dinner/Award and First Year Anniversary of the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau, held at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, weekend.

Presenting the Award, National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, commended the Nigeria Digital ID4D project for its support to the Bureau, reiterating commitment to continue to partner with the project.

Olatunji, who thanked the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami for his leadership roles, described the Nigeria Digital ID4D as a Pillar of Support to the Bureau.

READ ALSO: Omeife: Meet First African Humanoid Robot, Built and Completed in Nigeria

He reiterated the commitment of the NDPB to creating awareness on data protection and privacy in the country, urging stakeholders to continue to support the Bureau to achieve results.

“The journey of the NDPB started under the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). NDPB is a year old. In the last one year, a lot has happened.

“We are grateful to the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, who stood by us all the way. Awareness creation is very important to us. The task requires collective efforts. We are here today to thank you for your support, and we are looking forward to the future,” he added.

Receiving the Award, Project Coordinator, Nigeria Digital ID4D project, Musa Odole Solomon described the NDPB as a “worthy partner”, pledging the project’s continued support to the Bureau.

“From the inception of the NDPB, we have been working with them. From day one, we knew they were worthy partners. The achievements recorded and level of collaboration could not have been possible, without the kind of leadership in place at the Bureau. We will continue to support the Bureau.”

Delivering his keynote address, Nigeria’s Minister for Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami described data privacy and protection as critical to the nation, assuring that the data protection bill was set for transmission to the National Assembly for consideration.

It would be recalled that the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau had communicated her intention to honour the Nigeria ID4D project at the Bureau’s one year anniversary.

In a letter dated 26th January 2023, with the subject “Conferment of Institutional Pillar of Support Award”, signed by the National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPB, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the Bureau expressed appreciation to the project for her invaluable support.

The letter reads in part: “I am pleased to convey the decision of the Bureau to confer on your highly esteemed institution the “Institutional Pillar of Support Award.”

“This award is in recognition of your invaluable support towards the establishment and growth of the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau.”

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…As NIMC Updates Stakeholders on NIN Enrolment

TECHDIGEST- No fewer than fifty public institutions in Nigeria, on Tuesday, pledged their support for the implementation of the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project.

Rising from a 1-day Roundtable for Desk Officers of Ecosystem Implementing partners of the Nigeria Digital ID4D project, held at Peniel Apartments, Abuja, the stakeholders described the project as timely, reiterating their willingness to participate in its implementation.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Project Coordinator, Nigeria Digital ID4D project, Musa Odole Solomon, congratulated the desk officers on their nomination by their respective public institutions, reiterating the project’s commitment to working with them.

“Let me start by congratulating you on your nomination as desk officers for the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project. It is a show of the level of confidence the leadership of your respective organisations has in you.”

“This meeting is aimed at explaining the essence of the Nigeria Digital ID4D project, its components, objectives, strategy and expected results, while discussing the roles of the desk officers in the project implementation, among other objectives.”

“The idea of desk officers was to ensure a single point of contact with each of the ecosystem implementing partners, to ensure that our partners do not miss out on any important step in the project implementation.”

“The project is designed, following an ecosystem model, and not limited to any single organisation. It therefore involves different agencies of the government, the private sector and civil society. As desk officers, you are here today because you represent organisations already identified as important ecosystem implementing partners. Our goal is to ensure that no strategic stakeholder is left behind, in this endeavour.”

Also speaking at the event, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission, Engr. Aliyu Aziz commended the Nigeria Digital ID4D project for its intervention and support.

The NIMC Chief Executive, represented by the Director, Corporate Services of the Commission, Ibrahim Abdullahi, informed the stakeholders that the national database has hit about Ninety-Three (93) million National Identity Number (NIN) enrolments.

“The unified ID system approach, as well as the ecosystem model have had tremendous positive impacts on the enrollment figure. Currently, the National Identity Database has over 90 million (93.5m) records, which is a sharp contrast from just 7 million, when I assumed office in 2015.” he said.

He noted that “the primary aim of the strategic roadmap for digital identification in Nigeria, is to simplify the approach to identification through simple data collection process and a centralized unique identification system for Nigeria and legal residents.”

In his presentation on “Duties of Desk Officers in Nigeria Digital ID4D project Implementation,” the project’s Communications Manager, Dr. Walter Duru described the desk officers as the bridge between their respective public institutions and the project, urging them to take their roles seriously.

Also, in his presentation on “Understanding the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project,” Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist for the Project Implementation Unit, Dr. Emmanuel Akogun, highlighted the project development objective to the desk officers, even as he urged them to support the project to succeed.

The project’s Change Manager, Ibrahim Salifu, Data and Integration Architect, Sheriff Balogun, Social Safeguards Officer, Seun Adebayo, Grievance Redress Manager, Atana Okon, Legal Desk Officer, Adetunrayo Alao and Stakeholders Engagement Manager, Helen Nkemakolam-Ekeh, took turns to explain the activities of their respective work streams, while seeking the collaboration of the desk officers.

Director, Database at NIMC, Olufemi Fabunmi, while responding to questions from the desk officers said “NIMC will increase its server capacity to 250million from 100 million after a service upgrade.

Highlights of the event were: paper presentations, remarks, interactive session, questions and answers sessions and agreement on next steps.

The Nigeria Digital ID4D is a project, jointly funded by the World Bank, European Investment Bank, and the French Development Agency.

The Project Development Objective is to increase the number of persons with a National Identity Number (NIN), issued by a robust and inclusive foundational Identity system, that facilitates their access to services

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TECHDIGEST- Project Coordinator of the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) project, Musa Odole Solomon says Nigeria’s Honourable Minister for Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami is worth celebrating.

Solomon stated this while joining friends and well wishers to extend goodwill messages to the Honourable Minister, as he adds another year to his life.

READALSO: Pantami Launches Partnership with Coursera to Offer 24,000 Nigerians Digital Skills

In a Press Release by the Nigeria Digital ID4D Communications Manager, Dr. Walter Duru and made available to newsmen in Abuja, Thursday morning, Solomon paid glowing tributes to the Honourable Minister, describing him as a great leader.

According to him, “the Honourable Minister is a leader with humility of heart and fear of God. His digital economy revolution has placed Nigeria on the global map, while occupying a leadership position in Africa. His role in promoting the Nigeria Digital Identification project has given us great mileage. As Minister for Communications and Digital Economy, he has shown capacity and competence. He has shown great leadership and we are proud to identify with him. As he clocks the golden age of 50, we pray for God’s special blessings upon him.”

He extolled the Honourable Minister for his legacies, especially, in digital identification, which is an important pillar of every digital economy.

Solomon prayed to God to continue to bless him with good health and many more fruitful years, even as he rendered more services to God and humanity.

Walter Duru, Ph.D
Manager, Communications
Nigeria Digital ID4D Project
October 20, 2022

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TECHDIGEST – No fewer than five hundred (500) stakeholders are to meet in Abuja tomorrow for validation of the draft Nigeria Data Protection Bill, ahead of its transmission to the National Assembly.

The Validation Meeting, scheduled to hold on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at Nigerian Airforce Conference Centre, Abuja, is convoked by the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau, with support from the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) project.

The Honourable Minister for Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami shall be delivering a Keynote address at the meeting.

READ ALSO: Pantami steers Africa to victory as Cosmas Zavazava of Zimbabwe wins ITU election

National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau, Dr. Vincent Olatunji confirmed this during a meeting with the Nigeria Digital ID4D team in Abuja, Monday morning.

According to Olatunji, stakeholders from the public, private and civil society sectors are billed to meet, to review and validate the draft of the proposed Nigeria Data Protection Bill, with a view to ensuring that all are on the same page, before the Bill is presented to the Federal Executive Council, for onwards transmission to the National Assembly for consideration.

“Recall that on the 26th and 27th of July 2022, here in Abuja, representatives of relevant public institutions, the private sector and civil society organisations gathered to deliberate on the way forward towards strengthening the legal framework on data protection in Nigeria.”

“The Policy Dialogue sought to bring together critical stakeholders to deliberate on the way forward, towards the enactment of a principal Data Protection legislation for Nigeria.”

“During the Policy Dialogue, inputs from various stakeholders were gathered. Now, a draft bill is ready, accommodating all the inputs from stakeholders. As agreed during the meeting, a validation meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, October 4, 2022, for stakeholders to ensure that the concerns and recommendations made during the Policy Dialogue are accommodated in the draft bill before it is transmitted for consideration. We want to ensure that all stakeholders are on the same page, as we progress.”

“It may interest you to know that in September 2022, we engaged the leadership and members of relevant National Assembly committees on same. We also specially engaged the Federal Ministry of Justice on the necessity of the bill, among others. We shall continue to engage.”

Continuing, he commended the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) project for what he described as tremendous support for the enactment of a Data Protection Bill for Nigeria.

Also speaking, Project Coordinator, Nigeria Digital ID4D project, Musa Odole Solomon described data protection as necessary for Nigeria, arguing that “it is not only in conformity with global best practices, but needed to guarantee the security and safety of citizens’ data.”

He pledged the continued support of the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development project to efforts towards enacting a data protection law for Nigeria.

According to him, “passing the data protection bill is one of ID4D’s mandates. Many other countries of the world have data protection laws in place, and it is our desire to ensure that it is passed as soon as possible. This Validation Meeting is one of activities lined up to ensure adequate stakeholders’ engagement towards birthing an inclusive and robust data protection law in Nigeria.”

The Nigeria Digital Identification for Development project is a Nigerian project, jointly funded by the World Bank, European Investment Bank and French Development Agency to support the identification ecosystem in the country, over a five-year period.

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TECHDIGEST – The Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Aliyu Aziz has charged staff of the Corporate Communications Unit of the Commission to be professional in the discharge of their duties.

Engr. Aziz made the call while addressing participants at a 3-day Retreat organised for staff of the Corporate Communications Unit of the commission, held at Global Village Hotel, Nasarawa State, from 20th -22nd September 2022. The Retreat was supported by the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) project.

According to a statement jointly signed by the Manager, Communications, Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) project, Dr. Walter Duru and Head, Corporate Communications at NIMC, Kayode Adegoke, the NIMC helmsman also charged the participants to be more focused on delivery of excellent service to the citizens.

Speaking on the Retreat, Engr. Aziz said that “It is very exciting. I have got beautiful feedback from my staff.

They said they have learnt so much and they look forward to putting them into practice. They have promised that I will see positive changes in the Corporate Communications Unit of the Commission.”

“I commend the Nigeria Digital ID4D project for the support to the Commission, particularly, around identification of gaps and taking deliberate steps towards closing the gaps.

This Communication Retreat is one of such interventions. Nigeria ID4D has provided resources and experts to support the Commission. The organisation’s ecosystem model is great, and we are excited to implement it.”

He further advised participants to put into practise the knowledge acquired, to improve their performance.

Earlier in his remarks, Project Coordinator, Nigeria Digital ID4D project, Musa Odole Solomon pledged the project’s commitment to sustained collaboration with NIMC and other ecosystem partners, even as he thanked the Commission for cooperating with the project.

Earlier in her presentation titled “NIMC: Mandate, Organisational Goals and Mission”, the commission’s Director, Legal and Regulatory Services, Barr. Hadiza Dagabana tasked participants to focus on delivering the organisation’s mandate through professional corporate communications practice.

In his presentation on “Corporate Communications: Implications, Strategies and Results”, former Commissioner for Information in Imo State and Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Prof. Emman-Owums Owuamalam urged participants to take deliberate steps to close gaps in communication between the commission and the citizens.

Also, in his paper titled “Launching a Communication Value-Chain Culture in NIMC,” Presly Obukoadata, an Associate Professor of Mass Communication and Digital Media, urged participants to uphold the values of the commission, even as he spoke on the need for a blend of promotional tools in communication design and implementation.

In their respective remarks, NIMC’s Acting Director/Head of DG’s Office, Mrs. Uche Chigbo, Head of Procurement, Princess Nkoyo Iwok, Head of Finance, Abolaji Akinola, Head of Enforcement, James Bura Mamza, Umaru Ba, Head, Human Capital Management, Rhoda Jackden and External Communications Manager, Nigeria ID4D, Mouktar Adamu, urged participants to implement the skills acquired from the Retreat, assuring them of management’s continued support.

The 3-day Retreat, with the theme “Inspiring NIMC towards a New Era of Marketable Nigerian Identity Campaign” was aimed at reminding participants of their roles towards achieving organisational objectives, aligning them with organisational culture and values, understanding of best practices in corporate communications, identification of strengths and weaknesses of the corporate communications team, while agreeing on next steps.

Highlights of the Retreat were paper presentations, team-bonding activities, interactive sessions, break-out sessions, among others.

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TECHDIGEST – The Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, has said that setting the Digital Identity process on track will ensure effective implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy NDEPS, within the stipulated period.

Inuwa said this while playing hosting for the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project Team at the Agency’s Corporate Headquarters Abuja on Tuesday.

He highlighted Broadband Penetration, Digital Identity amongst critical areas to the attainment of Digital Economy. Adding that to achieve positive outcome in regard to Digital Economy, there is need for connectivity, and identify who consumes or provides the services and also you should be able to pay for the services.

The DG informed the Team that NITDA’s mandate of Developmental Regulation is in line with what ID4D is actually working on, and pledged them the Agency’s unalloyed support.

READ ALSO: Pantami Confirms Irregularities on IPPIS, Vows Review

He acknowledged that collaboration between NITDA and ID4D as well as other relevant partners will always be welcomed with an open arm.

Inuwa reiterated thar government cannot do it alone, there by urging ID4D to help in whatever way they can for Nigeria get this Digital Identity and implement policies and mandate.

“Anything that has to do with identity, we need it to implement our mandate. Identity is key to Digital Economy. We believe we need each other to succeed, our mandates are interwoven, we need ID to succeed, and you also need us for the ID to be used in Digital Economy”, the DG said.

He also lauded what ID4D is doing, particularly on areas of Developmental Regulation, according to him, it will make impact on what NITDA is doing, adding that: “These Laws you are trying to help the government agencies to review, will equally help us.”

While expressing confidence that the Nigerian Digital space will soon compete with its peers globally, Inuwa “IT is dynamic, that is the reason why we are reenacting our own Bill that was passed in 2007; a lot of vocabularies are obsolete and things have changed, without that enactment, it will be difficult for us to deliver.

“We need to have a robust Law, because technology is growing and becoming dynamic, having a fixed law will be difficult to deliver, when the Technology evolves, the Law should be able to stretch and cover it”.

He also expressed concern with regulating the digital space, which he described as ungoverned space that needs to be regulated in the best way – a major challenge faced globally.

“The right regulation does not exist, we need to co-create it, because it is not something that you can learn from the previous generation, due to its non-existence during their time, it’s our collaboration that will bring the desired changes in developing the nations IT sector,” he noted.

Earlier in his address, the Coordinator Nigeria Digital ID4D Project, Musa Odole Solomon, appreciated NITDA’s stride in sanitising the Nigerian digital space.

“Since its establishment, NITDA has proven to be one of the Federal government institutions contributing immensely to the Nigerian Economy through its various relevant regulations, monitoring, evaluation and verification in fostering the development and growth of the Information Technology sector in the country.

Solomon said the ID4D Project objective is to increase the number of persons with a National Identity Number (NIN), issue a robust and inclusive foundational Identity system that facilitates their access to services.

He added that, “the project is designed following an ecosystem model, and not limited to any single organization. It involves different Agencies of government, private sector and civil society. The project had since identified NITDA as an important ecosystem implementing partner.

The Nigeria Digital ID4D is a five-year project, jointly funded by the World Bank, European Investment Bank and the French Development Agency.

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