The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has unveiled a mobile app for Nigerians to modify their data on the National Identification Number (NIN).
You can now modify your NIN data on the NIMC mobile app

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has unveiled a mobile application for Nigerians to modify their data on the National Identification Number (NIN).

With this new app, Nigerians can now make corrections to their name, date of birth, phone numbers on their NIN profile.

Before now, Nigerians who wanted to modify their data on NIN have had to go through a difficult process, besieging NIMC’s offices nationwide.

How to modify your NIN data using the NIMC mobile app:
Log on to https://selfservicemodification.nimc.gov.ng

Click on Register if you don’t have an account

Click on login if you already have an account

After login, you will be requested to provide your NIN, last name and email address

After providing the above, the data modification channel will be accessible

In 2021, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) ordered all mobile networks to ensure all phone numbers are linked to an NIN.

Speaking on the self-help platform a few weeks ago before its launch, the Director-General of the Commission, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote said the platform will enable Nigerians register themselves from the comfort of their homes without the stress of going to the NIMC office or to any agent.

She said: “On the NIN registration so far, about 104 million people have been registered which is very good progress that NIMC has made and we have people registering every day across the country and also from the Diaspora.

“So, we are trying to make sure things are done from the comfort of your own with ease to ensure that we remove the bottlenecks of long queues and also to eliminate extortions. We need to ensure that it’s a seamless process for people to get their NINs.

Vanguard

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The Director General and CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, has charged the Commission’s Front End Enrolment Partners (FEPs) to ensure that no one is left out of the National Identity Number (NIN) registration process.

The NIMC Chief Executive handed the charge on Friday while addressing attendees at the Commission’s Management Retreat.

She also tasked them with complying with the terms of the Nigerian Data Protection Act.

She further advised enrollment agents and commission personnel to be professional when providing services to members of the public.

“Our mission at NIMC is clear: to equip each Nigerian and legal resident with a unique and secure National Identification Number (NIN). This number is the key to accessing critical services, social benefits, and economic prospects.

However, in order to accomplish this, we must ensure the integrity of our enrollment process.

“As FEPs, your involvement is crucial. You are the link between our citizens and the NIMC enrollment ecosystem. As you communicate with candidates, treat their information with care, accuracy, and thoroughness. Let us work together to protect our database from errors, fraud, and other threats to its integrity.

“While we welcome the expansion of our National Identity Database to over 104 million captured NINs, we cannot rest on our laurels. Millions more are waiting to be enrolled. They include students, farmers, businesspeople, and the elderly. They are the heartbeat of our country.

“Let us reach out to all parts of Nigeria, from booming cities to isolated villages. Allow us to collaborate with schools, hospitals, and community leaders. Let us ensure that no one is left behind, including the vulnerable, people with disabilities, those living in remote locations, and so on. Let us make the NIN enrollment process accessible, fast, and inclusive.”

Continuing, Coker-Odusote entrusted the FEPs with professional behaviour and excellent communication, citing these as vital to success.

“When an applicant enters an enrollment centre, they put their trust in us. They are certain that their personal information will be kept confidential, that their NIN will be secure, and that it will open opportunities for them. We must honour that confidence.”

In her presentation on NIMC Ecosystem Enrollment, the Commission’s Director of Business Development and Commercial Services, Mrs. Carolyn Folami, told the FEPs that the revalidation effort was intended to sanitise the system while correcting identified gaps.

She utilised the opportunity to announce the start of payment of the remaining arrears owing to the FEPs, assuring them of the commission’s commitment to settling the outstanding balance as soon as possible.

“So far, 96 FEPs have been revalidated. It is still under progress, and as more are revalidated, they will be onboarded. This month (February), we began paying the FEPs’ outstanding arrears in accordance with the DG/CEO’s earlier promise. We have now paid well over 15 companies and are attempting to clear the arrears. We’ve done some housekeeping. Currently, we are only working with Android smartphones”.

In other news, Front End Enrollment Partners (FEPs) of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have praised the government led by Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote for paying the outstanding arrears owed to them.

The FEPs addressed on Friday at the National Identity Management Commission’s Management Retreat, taking turns thanking the Commission’s Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, for the payment.

Speaking on the ongoing revalidation effort, the FEPs welcomed it as a step in the right direction, stating that it was intended to sanitise the system. One of the FEPs, Tunde Ogunmola, Partner, Jibyes Consulting, hailed Friday’s discussion with the Commission’s Director General as timely and powerful.

“We have been looking forward to our meeting with the DG/CEO of NIMC. It’s an opportunity to interact while increasing enrollment.” We need more of this type of interaction to improve performance.”

“The ongoing revalidation is an essential step to sanitise the system, as many things were not working properly prior to this point. I can certainly certify that payment has begun. Jibyes Consulting has received payment from the NIMC, and we are pleased.”

Chinaka Obi-Ezenwugo of Miandkay Enterprise emphasised that “revalidation helps NIMC separate the chaff from the wheat. It was an extremely clear process. I can also confirm that we’ve been paid. It’s a huge relief.”

The 5-day retreat, with the theme “NIMC’s 5-point Agenda on Strategy Development and Implementation,” was part of the process of obtaining stakeholder buy-in to the current administration’s initiatives while also seeking long-term answers to the Commission’s difficulties.

The retreat’s highlights included paper presentations, interactive meetings with the NIMC DG/CEO, breakout sessions, presentations on implementation updates, and team bonding exercises.

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The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) said it has distributed more computers across its state centers to speed up the process of enrollment for the National Identification Number (NIN).

The Commission disclosed this in a statement released on Wednesday. The statement quoted the NIMC DG/CEO Engr. Abisoye Odusote- Coker, saying that the distribution of additional enrolment systems to all the states was part of steps to ease NIN enrolment challenges and increase operational capacity.

While noting that the systems have already been installed and positively impacting the enrollment exercise, NIMC said:

“The systems have since been installed and in use across all the states and have not only resulted in the reduction of time spent by applicants but have also increased the number of applicants attended to daily.

“Engr Abisoye Coker-Odusote has also sent out monitoring and evaluation teams across various centers nationwide to ensure a smooth running of enrolment and modification exercises.

“The team will also ensure strict compliance with her zero-tolerance stance against all forms of extortion and unethical practices.”

Engr Coker-Odusote emphasized that her administration will not condone extortion of applicants and has since directed that any staff found wanting will be dealt with in line with the provisions of the constitution and extant Public Service Rules.

According to the statement, the DG also requested that any applicant extorted should report such incidents to NIMC’s official channels.

With over 200 million population, the enrollments for the NIN stood at 104.16 million at the end of 2023, according to data released by NIMC. This shows that the NIN database has been growing but at a slow pace.

The NIMC data shows that a total of 10.13 million NINs were issued throughout last year. As of December 2022, the NIN database stood at 94.03 million.

Despite a World Bank target of 148 million by June 2024—less than six months from now—registration for the NIN has been slow.

However, with the recent appointment of a new Director-General, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, NIMC said it has started working to accelerate the issuance of the digital identity token in line with the renewed hope mandate of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

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The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced plans to allow Nigerians in the diaspora to seamlessly enrol for their National Identification Number (NIN) through a user-friendly self-service application.

According to a statement signed by the Technical Adviser to the NIMC DG on Media and Communications, Ayodele Babalola, the app will go live in February this year.

The statement further disclosed that the NIMC DG, Engr Abisoye Coker-Odusote announced this plan during a strategic meeting at the office of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) Chairman/CEO Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa during a courtesy visit on Monday.

Sharing insights into the upcoming self-service app, the NIMC DG said the application would provide a contactless and seamless experience for Nigerians in the diaspora seeking to obtain their NIN

The NIMC statement read in part:“Engr. Coker-Odusote emphasized that the initiative aligns with her commitment to enhancing service delivery and creating a hassle-free system for Nigerians abroad.

“As part of the process, a dedicated Diaspora Focal Point Desk will be established at the NIMC Office to ensure swift resolution of issues within 24 hours. This customer-centric approach aims to provide efficient support to Nigerians abroad in line with the agency’s commitment to quality service delivery.”

On her part, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa was said to have expressed gratitude to the NIMC delegation for the innovative solution while acknowledging the forward-thinking strategy adopted by Engr. Coker-Odusote.

The NiDCOM Chairman highlighted the significance of the new system, emphasizing its capability to easily link NIN with international passports for Nigerians residing outside the country.

According to her, the strategic collaboration marks a significant milestone in leveraging technology to enhance the accessibility of critical identity services for Nigerians in the Diaspora.

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Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote has charged the agency’s Front End Partners (FEPs) to be good ambassadors of the commission.

She also warned that NIMC would not spare any of them found engaged in unwholesome practices.

Coker-Odusote said this in Abuja at the opening of a 4-day training for the first batch of newly revalidated Front End Partners.

The DG assured participants that the revalidation was a management decision to sanitize the enrolment process, while also auditing invoices inherited by her administration on the outstanding debts owed the FEPs.

“On assumption of office, we observed countless infractions and unwholesome practices in the NIN enrolment and modification services. Most of the reports of infraction, upon investigation, were done by some of our Front-End Partners.

“I am not exonerating NIMC staff completely but as you may be aware, on different occasions, I led sting operations to some of our offices, where some staff were caught red handed perpetrating unwholesome conducts.

“And don’t forget that I inherited huge debts owed FEPs for over two years. Some of the invoices and claims were questionable, requiring proper auditing.

“The rot in the process and system left me with no option than to take deliberate steps towards sanitizing the enrolment process.

“And to this end, I directed that NIN enrolment activities at all FEP centres be suspended temporarily, pending the outcome of a revalidation exercise.

“My decision to direct the revalidation of all FEPs was not targeted at any one or group. It was a step towards sanitizing the system and processes, while ensuring the integrity of data in the country’s identity database. It was also one of the steps towards proper auditing of the claims made by some of our FEPs. The revalidation exercise was part of the steps towards ensuring compliance with the highest standards of data security among the FEPs.

“Please be advised that the revalidation exercise is being implemented in phases. This is just the first and not the last.

“Let me use this medium to remind you all that NIN enrolment is free of charge in Nigeria. My administration has zero tolerance for corruption. We shall therefore not spare anyone found perpetrating corrupt practices or any other form of infractions,” she added.

While thanking President Bola Tinubu for his support, the DG reiterated her earlier promise to ensure that FEPs with genuine claims are paid whatever they are owed very soon.

Commenting on the development, representatives of the newly revalidated Front-End Partners, Haruna Abdu of MURNA Foundation, Osah Uche Prince of GOMFID Mutiservices and Stellamaris Oseruo of JOREAL Nigeria Limited, took turns to commend the new NIMC management for taking steps towards sanitizing the system.

While describing the revalidation process as transparent, they urged the commission to strengthen its monitoring processes to ensure that no loopholes are left for exploitation in the enrollment exercise.

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By Walter Duru, Ph.D

TECH DIGEST- It was Albert Einstein who once said that “setting an example is not the main means of influencing another, it is the only means.” That sentiment expressed by Einstein is the primary essence behind the theory of transformational leadership, which requires passion, charisma, and the ability to motivate others. Transformational leaders are usually very authentic, emotionally intelligent, great listeners, results-focused, visionary, and self-aware.

In just 100 days at the helm of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote has ushered in a new era of transformational leadership, leaving an indelible mark on the organization. Her eventual confirmation as substantive Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission did not come to many as a surprise.

She did not waste time to hit the ground running and showed commitment to advancing the NIMC’s mission and mandate.

Coker-Odusote has taken steps to streamline National Identity Number (NIN) registration processes, while addressing the long-standing challenges associated with identity registration in Nigeria. This, she is handling through strategic restructuring and the integration of advanced technologies with a view to significantly reduce waiting time and enhance the overall efficiency of the system.

Today, date of birth and other kinds of modifications at NIMC happen within 48 hours. The several years backlog of date of birth modifications she inherited are almost cleared, as she had given a one-month deadline for the same to relevant staff of the Commission.

Again, responses to issues and complaints, such as those whose National Identity Numbers did not hit the NIN Verification Portal are now resolved within 24 hours.

Recognizing the paramount importance of data security in the digital age, the NIMC CEO has taken steps to enhance data security by introducing robust measures to fortify the protection of citizens’ sensitive information. This includes, but not limited to the adoption of cutting-edge encryption technologies and the establishment of a dedicated cybersecurity team.

Her interest in improving service delivery at NIMC cannot be overemphasized. She has concluded plans to ensure regular training and retraining for staff of the Commission, emphasizing customer-centric approaches, to ensure a more positive experience for citizens seeking identity services.

On partnerships, Coker-Odusote, leveraging her extensive network and expertise, has forged strategic partnerships with governmental agencies, private organizations, and international bodies. These collaborations aim to enhance the NIMC’s capacity, foster innovation, and promote information sharing for the betterment of identity management.

Understanding the pivotal role of technology in modernizing identity management, Engr. Coker-Odusote has spearheaded the integration of biometric advancements and artificial intelligence into the registration and verification processes.

This not only improves accuracy, user experience and ease of enrolment, but also positions NIMC at the forefront of technological innovation in identity management. A typical example is the NIMC Contactless Biometric Solution, which delivers a best-in-class fingerprint and facial capture image output quality, powered by Artificial Intelligence. The new solution was unveiled by the commission at the 2023 Identity Day, held in Abuja on September 16, 2023.

In addition, Engr. Coker-Odusote tackled the existing backlog of unprocessed identity requests head-on. Through a combination of strategic staff deployment and redeployment, process optimization, and digitization initiatives, she has made significant strides in clearing the backlog, demonstrating her commitment to prompt and efficient service delivery.

Recognizing the crucial role played by the NIMC staff in achieving organizational goals, the CEO has developed for implementation, a robust welfare programme aimed at boosting morale and fostering a positive work environment. This includes, but not limited to training opportunities, health benefits, and performance recognition initiatives.

Furthermore, in consultation with in-house experts, elaborate public awareness campaigns are being planned, to ensure that citizens are well-informed about the importance and benefits of identity registration. These campaigns are expected to not only educate the public, but also serve to demystify the registration process, encouraging greater participation.

The NIMC DG has concluded plans to take the ecosystem enrolment forward by taking steps to deepen collaboration with ecosystem implementing partners, supporting to ensure the success and optimal performance of the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project, a Nigerian Project jointly funded by The World Bank, The European Investment Bank, and the French Development Agency.

Engr. Coker-Odusote’s strategic vision, commitment to efficiency, and emphasis on technological innovation positions NIMC for a future where identity management is not only secure but also seamlessly integrated into the daily lives of citizens.

On anti-corruption, the NIMC DG has left no one in doubt on her determination to sanitize the system, entrench a culture of transparency and zero tolerance for corruption. Apart from putting systems and structures in place to discourage graft, she is directly involved in ensuring that the cankerworm has no place in the commission.

Just recently, in what one may describe as a sting operation, she paid an unscheduled visit to the Federal Capital Territory office of the commission, where she is reported to have arrested some staff for allegedly extorting money from Nigerians, even as she has maintained that enrolment was free.

Her devotion to supporting the policy direction of the present administration by strengthening the issuance of the NIN for access to service is not in doubt.

Speaking on Coker-Odusote’s first 100 days in office as NIMC CEO, Project Coordinator, Nigeria Digital ID4D Project, Musa Odole Solomon described her as a vibrant, results-focused leader, determined to make a difference in the Commission.

“She has taken steps to build bridges of collaboration between NIMC and partners within the country’s identity ecosystem. These collaborations aim to enhance the NIMC’s capacity, foster innovation, and promote information sharing for the betterment of identity management in Nigeria.”

“The collaboration is also focused on enhancing handshake with institutions involved in the country’s identity ecosystem, with a view to deepening integration with the country’s Identity Management System.”

“In 100 days, she has taken the lead in working with the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project to speed up project implementation process, especially, processes geared towards the extension of NIN enrolment to hard-to-reach areas, women, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups, thereby fostering inclusion and access to social services.”

“She has introduced some innovations that I consider very progressive, and things are moving very well. The Nigeria Digital ID4D Project is happy to work with her, as she has shown that she has all it takes to assist us succeed.”

Responding to a question on his impression about the NIMC DG’s leadership style and the future of the relationship between NIMC and his organisation, Chairman, National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra stressed that the relationship between NIMC and NPC has become more robust under Coker-Odusote’s leadership as NIMC CEO.

“I want to say that the National Population Commission has a long and robust collaborative partnership with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in our efforts to harmonize and integrate biometric databases for planning and development of our country.”

“However, this partnership has become more dynamic and robust with the assumption into office of Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote as the Director General of NIMC. She has shown an unparalleled commitment and passion in working with the Commission, not only in registration of births and deaths, but also the upcoming population census. She comes across as a thoroughbred professional and innovator who will give Africa’s greatest nation a deserved identity profile for national unity, security, and development. I am more confident in the future of the Identity Management Commission under her.”

Responding to a question on the new grounds covered at the NIMC ICT, Director, IT/Identity Database of the Commission, Chuks Onyepunuka has this to say:

“Our DG is pragmatic, proactive, result-oriented and visionist. Her achievements in ICT in NIMC in the last 100 days include, but not limited to: “launching of self-modification and enrolments services to ease and simplify the processes for enrolment services; driving the clearing of about 3 million backlog of enrolment records awaiting manual adjudication within 3 weeks; decentralization of operations with objectives of ensuring that we are closer to the enrolees and adequate coverage in the nooks and crannies of the country.”

“Others are improvement in the process of engaging and revalidating our Frontend Enrolment Partners (FEPs); improvement in our ICT policies, processes and procedures; resolution of 95% challenges/issues affecting our window enrolment software (Res-Web) and commenced the integration and harmonization with National Population Commission, Nigeria Immigration Service and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).”

Adding her voice, NIMC’s Director, Business Development and Commercial Services, Mrs. Carolyn Folami described the DG as a thoroughbred professional, committed to resetting the Commission for the good of the nation.

“It has been only 100 days, but it seems she has been here far longer, as within this period, we have achieved a couple of goals towards resetting the NIMC agenda and resettling the NIMC staff for productivity.”

“Starting with the planning and commencement of training of all staff, to the commitment to all Front-End Partners (FEP) to revalidate the business model for fair play and payment. She is very keen on stakeholder engagement and has secured the buy- in of our harmonisation partners for effectiveness. She is professional, thorough, dedicated, and above all, kind to all.

Adding his voice, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Project Implementation Unit, Nigeria Digital ID4D Project, Dr. Emmanuel Akogun argued that Coker-Odusote’s first 100 days in office were characterised by “dynamic, focused and results – oriented leadership,” adding that there is steady progress in NIN enrolment, with “103,500,000 Nigerians and other legal residents captured in the NIMC Database.”

There is therefore no gainsaying the fact that Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote’s first 100 days as CEO of the NIMC have been marked by a series of commendable achievements.

At this point, one can confidently say that with Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote as Chief Executive Officer, NIMC is in safe hands.

Her recent confirmation as substantive Director General/CEO of the Commission is clearly an act of patriotism by the Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

However, as she commences a full tenure of office, following her recent confirmation, one expects that the standard is not lowered.

As she marks 100 days in office this week, the most challenging part of Abisoye Coker-Odusote’s journey as Chief Executive Officer of the NIMC is the need to sustain the successes recorded, remain focused, deepen stakeholder engagement and public enlightenment, check corruption, strengthen systems and structures, be fair to all, while supporting the policy direction of the present administration.

Deliberate steps must be taken to ensure the sustenance of the war against extortion at NIMC.

Again, a deliberate plan should be in place to ensure a more robust stakeholder collaboration, particularly with those involved in the country’s identity ecosystem.

Elaborate, sustained communication and public enlightenment activities are required, taking advantage of the conventional and unconventional channels of communication to inform, educate and mobilize the citizens on the need for all to register for the NIN. This requires a deliberate strategy and strategic implementation.

Finally, a deliberate inclusion strategy must be in place and vigorously implemented to ensure that no one is left behind.

As the DG continues to lead with passion and purpose, NIMC is poised for even greater accomplishments under her guidance.

Indeed, NIMC is in safe hands!

Dr. Walter Duru (Assistant Professor of Communication and Multimedia Design) is a Communication/Public Relations Strategist, Researcher and Consultant. He could be reached at walterchike@gmail.com

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