The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has intensified strategic partnerships with key Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to fast-track the implementation of the newly enacted NIMC Act 2026 and deepen Nigeria’s transition to a secure, interoperable and citizen-centred digital identity ecosystem.
Leading the engagements, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, held a series of high-level meetings with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
The consultations were aimed at aligning institutional priorities, strengthening inter-agency collaboration and positioning digital identity as a key enabler of Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and digital economy.
During a working visit to NITDA, the Agency’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, praised NIMC’s ongoing reforms and reaffirmed NITDA’s commitment to supporting the Commission in implementing its expanded mandate under the NIMC Act 2026.
Inuwa pledged to make available NITDA’s digital infrastructure, including the National Public Key Infrastructure (NPKI), to facilitate seamless implementation of Nigeria’s digital identity programme.
Both agencies agreed to strengthen collaboration in secure data exchange, cybersecurity, Digital Public Infrastructure, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and the development of trusted digital frameworks to support the country’s expanding digital economy.
At the Ministry of Youth Development, the Minister, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, expressed the ministry’s readiness to partner with NIMC to expand access to digital identity services for young Nigerians.
He noted that broader access to the National Identification Number (NIN) would enable more youths to benefit from government interventions, digital opportunities and socio-economic empowerment programmes, while commending the Commission’s ongoing reforms.
The NIMC delegation also met with the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, who acknowledged the Commission’s progress in expanding NIN enrolment nationwide.
Amupitan said the NIMC Act 2026 provides a stronger legal framework for collaboration between both institutions in identity management, cybersecurity, data protection and the elimination of duplicate identities within the electoral register.
Discussions with the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, focused on the strategic role of trusted digital identity in promoting trade, attracting investment and driving economic growth.
Oduwole congratulated NIMC on the enactment of the NIMC Act 2026 and commended the Commission’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem.
She emphasised that a robust National Identification Number system would enhance the ease of doing business, improve economic participation and unlock opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The engagements form part of NIMC’s broader strategy to deepen collaboration with critical government institutions to ensure the effective implementation of the NIMC Act 2026 and consolidate Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure.
According to the Commission, the strengthened partnerships will enhance public service delivery, promote economic inclusion, reinforce national security and accelerate the country’s digital transformation agenda.
The Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, Kayode Adegoke, said the Commission remains committed to working with strategic government institutions to build a trusted, secure and interoperable digital identity system that supports efficient governance, improved service delivery and sustainable economic development.
