NIN Now Mandatory for Accessing Social Services in Nigeria — FG
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Nigerian government has announced that the National Identification Number (NIN) will be required for citizens to access social services.
This declaration was made by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, while inaugurating an Inter-Ministerial retreat on the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
Senator Akume, who was represented by Professor Babatunde Bolaji, emphasized that the NIN will be crucial for vulnerable populations, including the poor, to benefit from palliatives and other social services.
This move, he said, is part of the government’s efforts to establish a robust and inclusive national identity system, which is a key focus of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
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The SGF urged all government agencies to support the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in achieving this goal.
He also commended the NIMC Director-General, Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, for her dedication to fulfilling the Commission’s mandate.
The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Tanko Sununu, also reiterated his Ministry’s collaboration with NIMC to ensure that the NIN is used to access social services and palliatives for vulnerable populations.
Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, who was represented by Ayobami Abiola, the Technical Assistant on Policy and Partnerships, expressed gratitude to Senator Akume and Minister Sununu for their support.
She assured the Project Ecosystem Steering Committee (PESC) members of the Commission’s readiness to deliver on its mandate.
The retreat was attended by key members of the PESC and other strategic partners, who reviewed the progress of the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project, celebrated milestone achievements, and engaged in robust discussions to address implementation challenges.
