Abia state has emerged the leading state in the federation in the adoption of National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), National Identity Number (NIN) among others.
The Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Isah Ali Pantami disclosed this during the World Identity Day 2022 held in Umuahia, Abia state recently, adding that over 80 million Nigerians have been enrolled by NIMC with Abia taking the lead.
Represented by the Director of Research in the ministry, the Communication Minister urges security agencies to leverage on the National Identity database to tackle insecurity in Nigeria.
He further revealed that the choice of the date (16.9) is highly symbolic, adding that it is in commemoration of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal 16.9 which calls for the provision of legal identities for all by 2030, including birth registration.
Meanwhile, the Abia state Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has reiterated its government resolve to partnering with NIMC towards ensuring that every Abian is captured.
Represented by his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, Gov. Ikpeazu further called on Abians and Nigerians at large who are yet to enroll to do so, maintaining that it would enhance economic planning as well as tackle insecurity in the country.
Contributing, the Chairman on the occasion, Sir Mac Atasie described the concept of identity as an integral part of our society, explaining that NIN is the most important of all, followed by Bank Verification Number (BVN).
He revealed that Abia has cue in through Abia Social Identity Number (ABSIN).
In her speech, the Special Adviser to the Abia Governor on NIMC, Ecosystem and Related Matters, Princess Glad Chidinma-Apugo Osoagbaka, expressed government’s resolve to enroll all Abians before the end Gov. Ikpeazu’s administration by May 2023.
The Special Adviser to the Abia Governor on NIMC, Ecosystem and Related Matters, Princess Glad Chidinma-Apugo Osoagbaka
Speaking on the year’s theme: “Traditional Institution Critical Stakeholders For Citizens Mobilization”, Mrs. Osoagbaka unveiled that the economy of Nigeria and the world are driven by the power of digitalization, data gathering and identity, noting that this has contributed to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of the nation to about 35 per cent.
A figure, she projected to be second to oil revenue, calling on other stakeholders to support this revenue-generating venture amidt global financial crisis.
In his goodwill message, a NIMC consultant, Mr. Favour Odita, commended Abia Governor, Dr. Ikpeazu for his move to completely domesticate NIN in Abia, insisting that it would enhance the revenue status of the state.
Origa promised to synergize with Abia to actualize the vision.
Highlights of the event were: road shows and honouring Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu as the Best Digital Governor of the year, the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Isah Pantami as the Best Performing Minister of the year among others.
Dignatories at the event include: the Abia state Commissioner for Documentation and Strategic Communications, Mr. Ugochukwu Emezue, his Finance counterpart, Dr. Aham Uko, the Special Adviser to the Abia Governor on Documentation and Strategic Communications, Elder Kennedy Okechukwu among others.
