The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has launched a self-service mobile app for Nigerians to register for their National Identification Number (NIN) and digital ID.
The application was unveiled in Abuja at an event to commemorate Nigeria’s fifth Identity Day on Saturday.
Chucks Onyepunka, NIMC’s director for information technology, said the new mobile app would make NIN enrollment easier and more convenient for Nigerians.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior, while speaking earlier, said that harmonizing all of Nigeria’s databases is essential for reducing crime and promoting national development.
He said, “With a database of over 100 million National Identification Numbers in the National Identity Database, NIDB, NIMC provided essential access to attaining this goal along with other major stakeholders.
“As a member of the ministry of interior family, NIMC joins with other sister agencies in not only improving access by the general public to services like passport acquisition and renewal but also the likes of efficient border security technology, effective handling of insecurity around the country, protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, reformation and reintegration of rehabilitated offenders in the society as well as improved emergency and fire response times.”
The minister added that the work has commenced to ensure that the country has a single point database.
Speaking also, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, NIMC acting director-general (DG), said identity is more than a card or a number.
“It unlocks access to essential services, social benefits, and pathways to personal and economic growth,” Coker-Odusote said.
“It stands as a testament to our individuality while serving as a bridge to our shared humanity.
“At the National Identity Management Commission, our vision remains unwavering: to provide every citizen and legal resident with a digital primary identity, making it a universal reference point.”
She added that Nigeria must continue to develop its digital public infrastructure (DPI) because it holds the potential to transform lives.
The agency said the application will soon be available to be downloaded on Google and iOS stores.