The National Identity Management Commission is saddled with the process of establishing and maintaining a unique identity for each citizen of Nigeria, which involves the collection, storage, and verification of personal information to ensure accurate identification and authentication.
The Appointment of Engr Bisoye Coker Odusote as Acting Director General and CEO of the National Identity Management Commission is an intentional step by the present administration towards implementing a robust national identity management system for Nigeria.
Her experience and expertise that cuts across both private and public sectors especially her track records and wealth of experience in technological innovative data management that is now being deployed in her new role to enhancing the operations of the National Identity Management Commission while harnessing it for Nigeria’s progress and development.
National identity management systems play a crucial role in enhancing security within a country by accurately verifying the identity of individuals, it becomes easier to prevent identity theft, fraud, and other criminal activities as it helps in maintaining law and order and protecting the interests of citizens.
A well-implemented national identity management system enables efficient service delivery by government agencies as it allows for streamlined processes, reducing bureaucracy and eliminating the need for multiple identity documents. This would lead to improved access to public services, such as healthcare, education, and social welfare, benefiting citizens and promoting inclusivity.
National identity management systems provide governments with accurate data on their population, enabling effective governance. This data can be used for policy planning, resource allocation, and targeted interventions. It helps in identifying and addressing socio-economic disparities, ensuring equitable development and progress.
She also hosted the Ag. Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service FIRS, Mr Zaccheus Adedeji to set the tone for effective collaboration between NIMC and FIRS would lead to improved government services, increased tax compliance, reduced tax evasion, and enhanced overall governance.
A robust national identity management system can contribute to economic growth. It enables easier identification and verification of individuals, which simplifies business transactions, financial services, and employment processes.
This reduces administrative burdens, encourages entrepreneurship, and attracts foreign investment.
Engr Bisoye Coker is working on improving data management for economic growth and development that would ease the implementation of credit facility policy as being planned by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
National identity management systems can enhance public safety by aiding in the prevention and investigation of crimes. Accurate identification and authentication of individuals help law enforcement agencies in maintaining public order, tracking criminals, and ensuring the safety of citizens.
She is also deploying an enhanced National identity management system to promote a sense of belonging and unity among citizens by establishing a common identity framework, it fosters national pride and social cohesion. It helps in preserving cultural heritage, protecting national interests, and promoting a shared sense of responsibility towards the nation.
This prompted Engr Bisoye and the Management of the Commission to pay a courtesy call on the Chairman, Director General and Honourable Commissioners of the National Population Commission, NPC, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra where she discussed the strategic working partnership between the NIMC and the NPC especially in the areas of seamless integration of Data for ease of access and data exchange , data harmonization, and integration.
Moved to the Ministry Of Interior because national identity management is imperative for ensuring security, efficient service delivery, effective governance, economic growth, public safety, and national unity, Engr Bisoye Coker is implementing a comprehensive and reliable system that is bringing numerous advantages, benefiting both the government and citizens alike.
In her words “We firmly believe that access to a reliable identity is not a privilege but a fundamental right. It serves as the cornerstone upon which we can build a more inclusive, secure, and prosperous society”
“Nigeria’s journey towards a robust Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is emblematic of its commitment to harnessing the power of digital technology for the betterment of its citizens, especially in providing social services”.
Engr Bisoye Coker has proven that the National Identity Management Commission is strategic and can be deployed towards harnessing our huge human resources potential towards socioeconomic growth and development by harnessing the collaborative efforts of our institutions in driving a seamless governace system towards national advancement and socioeconomic development.
– Toluwase Dada is a legal practitioner and politician
