By Tolulope Oguntimehin 

Abuja, Nigeria — In a strategic effort to deepen public trust and promote inclusivity in Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) partnered with the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) for a two-day roundtable workshop in Abuja.

The event, themed “Building Trust in Digital Identity: Strengthening Media Partnerships for a Secure and Inclusive Ecosystem,” brought together digital publishers, editors, and identity stakeholders to review Nigeria’s progress in digital identity management and explore the critical role of the media in public enlightenment and accountability.

NIMC Highlights Progress and Milestones

Represented by Dr. Alvan Ikoku, the Director General/CEO of NIMC, Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote highlighted a significant rise in National Identification Number (NIN) registrations—up from 72.7 million in 2022 to over 122 million by July 2025, a 49% growth in three years.

She also showcased major reforms under her leadership, including:

• A 40% reduction in extortion and unofficial fees.

• A transparent pricing model for authentication and data modifications.

• Full settlement of debts owed to enrolment partners.

• Deployment of new tools such as the NINAuth mobile app, Self-Service Enrolment app, and Contactless Biometric Systems.

Coker-Odusote stressed the media’s vital role in supporting public awareness, digital literacy, and inclusive participation in the identity ecosystem. “We ask that you continue to support us by telling the stories of impact, progress, and inclusion,” she urged.

Strengthening Grassroots Inclusion

Project Coordinator for the Nigeria Digital ID4D project, Mrs. Tito Ejanavi, reiterated the commitment to inclusion, especially for women, children, persons with disabilities, and rural communities. Through the World Bank-supported project, over 7,167 front-end enrolment agents have been trained and deployed across Nigeria to expand access and equity.

She praised the NIMC DG for “visionary leadership” and confirmed the project’s ongoing investment in infrastructure, grievance redress mechanisms, and public engagement.

Media Pledges Support for Accountability

ACOE President Mr. Shola Akingboye assured NIMC of the media’s continued partnership, noting that accurate reporting, education, and transparency are key to dispelling misinformation. “As watchdogs, we are committed to amplifying the voice of identity inclusion,” he said.

Technical Sessions Build Media Capacity

Senior NIMC officials facilitated breakout sessions and technical briefings, including:

• Dr. Alvan Ikoku on strategic MDA collaborations.

• Mr. Elias Okafor on the challenges and progress in ecosystem enrolment.

• Mrs. Uche Chigbo, Southeast Zonal Director, on operational reforms and personnel innovations.

Journalists engaged in Q&A sessions to clarify emerging identity reforms and ongoing innovations.

Looking Ahead

The NIMC DG concluded by calling on the media to serve as co-builders of Nigeria’s digital identity revolution. She emphasized public education and advocacy to ensure that “no Nigerian is left behind.”

With over 172 million SIM-NIN linkages, 3 million farmers, and 800,000 students now benefiting from NIN-linked services, Nigeria’s digital identity infrastructure is fast becoming a foundation for inclusive development and secure access to essential services.

The event closed with a shared commitment from all stakeholders to drive forward an identity system built on trust, transparency, and national unity.