Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo affirms that the harmonization and management of National Identity Number (NIN) is a major means of mitigating and controlling crime, and enhancing the quest for national development.
The minister made the revelation at the 5th Identity Day commemoration organized by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in Abuja.
The theme of the day was ‘Identity as a catalyst for Nigeria’s development – Examining the role of identity in key government programs of social safety net financial inclusion, promotion of good governance and transparency’.
He said: “With a database of over 100 million National Identification Numbers in the National Identity Database, NIDB and NIMC provide essential access to attaining this goal along with other major stakeholders.
”As a member of the Ministry of Interior family, NIMC joins in with other sister agencies in not only improving access by the public to services like passport acquisition and renewal but also the likes of efficient border security technology, effective handling of insecurity around the country.
“Others include the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, reformation and reintegration of rehabilitated offenders in the society as well as improved emergency and fire response times.”
Meanwhile,Tunji-Ojo said that all Nigerians were stakeholders in ensuring the successful implementation of positive policies regarding national identity as it affects government social safety nets and financial inclusion programmes.
“We live in the modern digital age where a secure and verifiable identity is vital for any set system to work.
”Think about it, you can’t access bank services and get ATM cards without proving your identity.
“You can’t even engage with others on online social media platforms without first verifying your identity.
“So, identity is key in our everyday lives, which is why we commemorate this day today,” the minister added.
“It is a day to recognize the transformative power of identity in shaping our destinies, safeguarding our rights, and connecting us as global citizens,” he stated.
