Why FG launched new digital identity ecosystem – NIMC

The Federal Government launched the new Digital Identity Ecosystem programme so as to facilitate the collection of citizens’ biometric data nationwide within the shortest time possible, the Director General Engr. Aliyu Aziz of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has said.

Engr Aziz gave the explanation in Abuja at the January, 2019 lunch time reform seminar organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), a statement from the commission said yesterday.

“The purpose of the ecosystem approach is to leverage existing capabilities and enrolment facilities of government agencies, partners and private sector organisations in Nigeria, as opposed to building new ones,” Engr. Aziz explained.

This, he said, involves “coordinated efforts of all enrolment partners,” including all government agencies involved in biometric data collection as well as partners and companies in the private sector to be licensed by NIMC.

In his titled presentation ‘Reinventing Nigeria’s Digital Identity Ecosystem’, Engr. Aziz said with the approval by the Federal Executive Council of the National Roadmap on Identity Development in Nigeria, the NIMC Regulations 2017, ISO Certified and upgraded backend in place, “it’s now time to commence the implementation of the Mandatory usage of the National Identification Number (NIN).”

The new Digital Identity Ecosystem is a Federal Governmentled initiative to collect biometric data nationwide in one-go by leveraging existing ecosystem of all government agencies including federal, state and LGAs and the private sector.

Engr. Aziz said the ecosystem approach of enrolment will constitute “trusted partners,” and a “pay-per-play model” to facilitate successful enrolments and fast-track the process nationwide.

“NIMC will facilitate collecting of identity data (biometric and demographic data) by also ensuring that partners collect data and are paid per successful enrolment. NIMC stores data and uses same to offer a Unique ID to the citizens and legal residents,” he said.