NIMC Boosts National Security with New Digital Infrastructure

In a bid to enhance national security and improve public services, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has reaffirmed its commitment to establishing a robust Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) ecosystem. According to the NIMC DG/CEO, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, represented by Sulaiman Falade, the Head of Infrastructure Technology and Identity Databases (IT/IDD), at a recent digital conference in Abuja, the commission is driving Nigeria's Digital Public Infrastructure through strategic reforms and institutional collaboration. The goal is to support efficient service delivery for citizens and residents. Coker-Odusote emphasized that the National Identification Number (NIN) is central to the DPI transformation, serving as a critical enabler for digital authentication, identity verification, and access to government and private sector services. As part of the Federal Government's vision, the NIMC is working towards establishing a unified, secure, and interoperable digital identity ecosystem that supports transparency, accountability, and seamless access to services. The DG noted that Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have been mandated to ensure the effective use of the NIN in driving policies related to data capture, identity verification, and biometric authentication across all digital services, following a Presidential Directive issued on April 5, 2024. The NIMC has put in place structures to ensure effective implementation. Through the integration of digital identity systems and the deployment of the National Public Key Infrastructure (nPKI), Nigeria is strengthening trust in digital transactions, protecting citizens' data, and promoting secure online interactions. The NIMC encourages stakeholders across the public and private sectors to continue supporting the implementation of Nigeria's digital identity ecosystem and related initiatives designed to improve service delivery outcomes for all Nigerians. The commission remains committed to leveraging technology, innovation, and secure digital systems to build a more connected, efficient, and resilient nation.