TheCable

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) says 41 million Nigerians now have national identity numbers (NIN) with enrolment ongoing in 15 countries.

Aliyu Aziz, NIMC director-general, told journalists that plans are ongoing to expand the diaspora enrollment.

“As of today, we have reached a record 41 million by sheer determination and hard work. I owe all of this to the great staff of the NIMC who pushed themselves beyond their limits to see this happen,” he told journalists.

“Diaspora enrolment was greatly received by the Nigerians in other countries and it has been going well since the launch.

“Enrolment is happening in over 15 countries across the world, with more countries to come on board in the near future.”

Aliyu said inadequate electricity; information technology infrastructure; inadequate enrolment centres and devices; and insufficient sensitisation have been challenges to the enrollment process.

The DG assured that the challenges are being addressed in collaboration with all the relevant stakeholders, government and also with the help of the media.

He said the $433 million loan secured from the World Bank would be used for the expansion of enrolment centres to 4,000.

“The funding covers digital ID enrolment, issuance and usage; strengthening of the enabling law, security, privacy, data protection and cybersecurity mechanisms; as well as strengthening the IT and other backend infrastructure,” he said.

The loan is being co-financed by the International Development Association (IDA), French Agency for Development and US$215 million from the European Investment Bank.