Group photograph of participants, NIMC and ID4D officials at the round table Workshop
The Nigeria Digital ID4D Project is a (Nigerian) collaborative effort funded by the World Bank, the European Investment Bank, and the French Development Agency, with a singular objective: to increase the number of persons with a National Identity Number (NIN) through a robust and inclusive foundational identity system which enables and facilitates their access to services.
“As someone who understands the transformative power of the media, it is a pleasure to address this gathering of esteemed digital media gatekeepers and professionals who shape narratives, influence national conversations, and play a crucial role in disseminating credible information in our ever-evolving digital landscape.”
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Workshop, Tito Ejenavi, Coordinator, Project, Implementation Unit, Nigeria Digital ID4D Project said the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project, is proud to support this bridge-building initiative, especially because it involves strengthening its engagement with a critical sector of the society: the media, particularly publishers of online newspapers.
Since the project became effective in 2021, the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project, particularly through the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), has worked relentlessly to support NIMC in expanding access, promoting inclusion, and implementing people-centred reforms. Its mission is deeply rooted in the principle of inclusion.
Together, both parties have made significant progress:
- They have developed and validated critical policies—including the National Inclusion Strategy and the Disability Enrolment Policy.
- They have supported the NIMC to train and certify over 7,167 Front-End Enrolment Partners and agents to enhance service delivery across rural and underserved communities.
- They are working relentlessly to upgrade the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS), improve the billing system, and deploy a geospatial enrolment index to ensure coverage equity.
- They have also mapped out strategic plans to revamp the Data Recovery Centre (DRC) in Niger State and introduced the Modular Open System Integration platform (MOSIP).
- They will also be supporting the NIMC in the deployment of the NIMS 2.0—the next-generation national identity management system in the drive to the Nationwide NIMC Ecosystem NIN Enrolment exercise.
Importantly, they have not just invested in systems—they have invested in people. From change management workshops to policy consultations, and from grievance redress training to capacity-building conferences, we have equipped our staff with the tools to serve Nigerians better.
Ejenavi pointed out that these achievements are possible because of the steadfast and result-oriented leadership of the DG/CEO of NIMC, Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, who continues to challenge and inspire us to aim higher.
The collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the implementing agency for the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project, is pivotal.
This roundtable is a clear testament to the strong partnership between NIMC and the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project. We believe that you, as online publishers, have a key role to play in this journey.
This two-day roundtable engagement happens to be the fifth edition hosted by the Commission. In 2024 alone, we successfully held four similar engagements in Lagos and Abuja. Each edition contributed significantly to deepening our collaboration, fostering dialogue, thereby enhancing how we collectively communicate the progress and priorities of the national identity ecosystem.
“With your digital reach, you speak directly to millions of Nigerians every day. You shape public perception, influence behaviour, and act as the conscience of our democracy. Your role in educating the public, countering misinformation, and amplifying success stories cannot be overstated.”
“That’s why this partnership matters. Through this engagement, we aim to help NIMC strengthen its relationship with publishers of online newspapers, foster transparency, and jointly build a more informed and inclusive Nigeria.”
Ejenavi urged the media to continue supporting collective mission by telling right stories and holding stakeholders accountable by helping citizens understand the value of a secured digital identity.
“Over the next two days, I look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership as we chart the next phase of this transformational journey. Let us work together to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind in this foundational effort to build a digital identity system that is inclusive, secure, and fit for the future.”
“Thank you for your time, your voice, and your continued dedication and commitment to informing, educating, and empowering the Nigerian public.”
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