By Ayo Ayodele
The Director General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, has called for stronger collaboration with digital media platforms to enhance public awareness, combat misinformation, and promote inclusion in Nigeria’s digital identity system.
Speaking at a two-day workshop with publishers of online newspapers in Lagos on Wednesday, Coker-Odusote praised the media for their continued partnership with NIMC and urged them to play a more active role in educating Nigerians about the importance and benefits of digital identification.
“I ask that we deepen this collaboration. Let us collectively combat misinformation, promote transparency, and ensure every Nigerian knows their rights, understands the value of their identity, and is included in this national transformation,” she said.
The DG also highlighted the remarkable progress recorded by NIMC in recent years. From a fragmented and exclusionary system, Nigeria’s identity ecosystem is being transformed into a unified, secure, and people-centered model. According to her, enrolment in the National Identification Number (NIN) database rose from 72.7 million in January 2022 to over 122 million by July 2025 — a 49% increase.
Coker-Odusote emphasized that digital identity is now at the heart of accessing public services, including education, agriculture, healthcare, financial inclusion, and social protection. “Millions of Nigerians now benefit from identity-enabled services such as NELFUND student loans, agricultural subsidies, SMEDAN business support, and CreditCorp facilities,” she stated.
As part of its reform efforts, NIMC has reduced unofficial enrolment fees by over 40%, invested in backend upgrades, and introduced digital tools like the NINAuth app, self-service portals, and contactless biometric solutions. The agency also launched a grievance redress mechanism with dedicated officers and a 24/7 toll-free line.
Coker-Odusote announced plans to launch a General Multipurpose Card (GMPC) by October 2025. The GMPC will serve as a secure, multifunctional ID enabling access to government services, banking, insurance, and more.
Beyond technology, the DG pointed to enhanced partnerships with over a dozen federal agencies including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), JAMB, INEC, FIRS, FRSC, PENCOM, and NSITF. These collaborations, she said, have enabled secure identity verification and improved service delivery.
To reach underserved populations, NIMC has deployed 7,167 revalidated front-end enrolment agents, trained to serve communities professionally and inclusively. “We are committed to leaving no one behind,” she stressed.
In her concluding remarks, Coker-Odusote reminded the media of their influence in shaping public opinion. “While we continue to expand infrastructure and services, we need your support to bridge digital literacy gaps and dispel misinformation. Let’s build a trusted, inclusive identity system together,” she said.
The workshop was attended by members of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), NIMC officials, and stakeholders from across Nigeria’s digital identity sector.