National Identity Management System is now functional - D-G

Mr Chris Onyeneme, the Director-General, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) on Thursday said that the National Identity Management System (NIMS) "is now functional’’.

Oneymeme, who made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said that the task of verifying and authenticating identity cards had become more effective.

"After decades of trying the system, it is finally a reality for NIMS to ensure safety of Nigerian identities. Commission is also working tirelessly to ensure that proliferation of data, fraudulent activities and cases of insecurity among others are addressed within the shortest possible time,’’ he said.

Onyemenam said that the commission was working toward the harmonisation and integration of data in partnership with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

He stated that NIMC would go into partnership with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) by August.
According to him, the NIMS has come to stay in Nigeria after decades of trying.

"It is the foundation identity that can be verified and authenticated either online or offline, before any service can be rendered to any individual,’’ he said.

The D-G said that the system would also contribute to the enhancement of security in the country. "It is interesting to note that tackling insecurity and reaching out to the poor and unemployed is part of the present administration's agenda.

"With the National Identity Management System in place, assured identity and global access is the future of Nigeria,’’ he said.

Onyemenam said that Nigeria had witnessed series of poverty alleviation programme which failed to reach the beneficiaries because of lack of authentic identity management system to verify beneficiaries.

"Leveraging on the NIMS, every Nigerian will be enrolled and issued the unique National Identification Number (NIN), and a smartcard which carries the beneficiaries' biometrics.

"The system makes it possible to verify and confirm the identity of potential beneficiaries into the social welfare schemes, while ensuring the exclusion of persons who are not qualified to benefit,’’ Onyemenam said.