Nigeria to grow identity enrolment to 70m by 2019 ―Buhari
THE President, Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said his government, through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), plans to grow the national identity database to 70 million by December 2019.
He said this would be achieved through the ongoing harmonization of identity schemes across the country.
The President made the disclosure while declaring open, the 3-day ID4Africa conference, themed: Harmonization of Identity Scheme, held at the International Conference Centre(ICC), Abuja.
Buhari, who spoke through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation(SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha explained that through the harmonization of data, the NIMC was able to grow its database from seven to 14 million in 2016 and from 14 million to 28 million in 2017.
“Our target is to grow the database to Fifty (50) Million by December 2018 and subsequently Seventy (70) Million by December 2019,” he said.
While stressing the importance of identity to every nation, he explained that digital identity can transform the efficiency of safety nets with electronic cash transfers; track border control and issue passports linked to a digital identity registry, among others.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria has long recognized the need to have a single national identity system for all citizens in order to carry out its mandate in social and economic development, law enforcement, intelligence and political development.
“In this regard, Nigeria is convinced that for businesses and innovation to thrive in Africa, a digital strategy to develop a global reputation for technological leadership and business dynamism is essential.
“This entails building digital ecosystems; Investing in smart infrastructure, platforms, and services; Identifying and nurturing digital talents; digitizing our records and classifying them accordingly; as well as reviewing and upgrading the legal and regulatory framework,” he explained.
Buhari who further stressed that a robust Identity Management System with quality data is key to every emerging economy added that; “Nigeria, and by extension Africa, must leverage on its digital identity as a reliable tool for socio-economic development.”
Earlier, the Executive Director ID4Africa, Dr. Joseph Atick noted that Nigeria has made tremendous progress in identity management.
Also, he disclosed that the conference will be launching a petition to the United Nations(UN) on adoption of September 16 as the international identity day.
“Identity is the most important aspect of human life yet there is no single day in the whole world when we celebrate it. We have also initiated the annual record of progress it excites me to see Africa coming together to discuss identity issues,” he added.
