Nimc-immigration Seek Closer Collaboration on Delivery of E-ID Cards to Nigerians

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has concluded working collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) on effective and efficient delivery of the national electronic Identity Cards to Nigerians.

This was the outcome of a working visit at the weekend by NIMC Management led by the Director General/CEO Mr. Chris Onyemenam, to the ComptrollerGeneral of Immigration (CGI), Mr. David Parradang, at the NIS Headquarters, Abuja.

Speaking, Onyemenam said the visit was aimed at deepening and strengthening the existing collaboration between the two agencies with regards to identity establishments and management.

“This is to also leverage on the existing warm relationship between the NIS and NIMC for better identity management and national security”, he added.

Speaking further, the NIMC boss presented a comprehensive overview of the national identity project, saying “the whole essence of this is to assign the National Identification Number (NIN) to genuine Nigerians for identity management in tandem with international best practice”.

He also reeled out other electronic functionalities embedded on the document to include financial transactions and the fact that NIMC’s database could vitally serve as a veritable tool for cross-checking information provided by passport applicants.

Onyemenam further established that the NIS has been collaborating with NIMC in vetting the enrolees for the national identity cards; thereby reducing the possibility of non-Nigerians having access to this important document.

He said the NIS over time, apart from making its officers available for vetting prospective enrolees, has also allowed its passport issuing offices as NIN enrolment centres, which is strategic for capturing many Nigerians.

Responding, Parradang commended the NIMC Management under Onyemenam for the efforts at bringing government intention in identifying bonafide Nigerians through the instrumentality of the National e-ID Card to fruition.

Parradang also stressed the need to continue having officers of the NIS working closely with NIMC enrolment officials at the centres so as not to allow the card fall into wrong hands.

He cited examples of our neighbouring countries where identity card issuance is nothing but a rigorous process.