The Nigerian Federal Government has inaugurated a steering committee for the actualization of the Digital Identification for Development Projects in Nigeria.
According to a statement by Kayode Adegoke, the head of corporate communications at the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, the inauguration occurred at the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, in Abuja on Tuesday.
In his inaugural speech, the SGF, Senator George Akume, underscored the immense potential of the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project to revolutionise identification and access to services.
He emphasised the need to address challenges related to data privacy, accessibility, and citizen engagement to ensure the project’s success.
“The Nigeria Digital ID4D project holds immense promise in revolutionising identification and access to services,” he said.
On her part, the DG of NIMC, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, highlighted the importance of digital identity in driving socio-economic development and empowering citizens.
She expressed confidence in the project’s transformative impact and looks forward to the Steering Committee’s collective efforts.
She said: “The Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Programme represents a bold and ambitious initiative to leverage digital technologies to enhance service delivery, improve governance, and unlock opportunities for our citizens.”
Accordingly, the Steering Committee’s mandate extends beyond policy formulation to fostering a collaborative governance structure that will oversee the project’s implementation.
The committee members include the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (Chairman), Minister of Finance, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Minister of Health, Minister of Education, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, and the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission (Secretary), amongst others.