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Tinubu’s NIN directive to deepen identity verification across Nigeria, NIMC CEO says – Technology Times
Nigeria’s digital identity verification system is set for broader adoption across public services following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive mandating the use of the National Identification Number (NIN) across government digital platforms, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has said.
The Commission says the Presidential Directive, issued on April 5, 2024, marks a major policy shift that places the NIN at the centre of identity verification, biometric authentication and data capture across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), a move expected to strengthen trust in digital transactions and improve access to services nationwide.
Speaking at a digital conference themed “Building Africa’s Digital Foundations Together” in Abuja, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, NIMC Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, said the Commission is intensifying efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity architecture as part of the country’s wider Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) agenda.
Represented at the event by Mr. Sulaiman Falade, Head of Infrastructure Technology and Identity Databases (IT/IDD) at NIMC, the Director-General said the directive effectively makes the NIN the foundational credential for identity verification across Nigeria’s expanding digital ecosystem.
For Nigerians, the expanded NIN mandate means identity verification is expected to become increasingly standardised when accessing government services and a growing range of digital platforms, while businesses and institutions will be able to rely on stronger identity authentication infrastructure.
NIN as enabler for digital authentication of identity in Nigeria
“Central to the DPI transformation is the National Identification Number (NIN), which has become a critical enabler for digital authentication, identity verification, and access to government and private sector services,” Coker-Odusote said.
According to NIMC, the directive requires MDAs to integrate and effectively use the NIN in policies and systems tied to data capture, identity verification and biometric authentication across digital services.
“In line with the Presidential Directive issued on April 5, 2024, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have been mandated to ensure the effective use of the NIN in driving policies related to data capture, identity verification, and biometric authentication across all digital services. NIMC has put in place structures to ensure effective implementation,” she said.
The Commission says the directive is expected to create a more unified identity verification framework across government, reducing duplication of identity records, improving service efficiency and enabling agencies to authenticate citizens through a common trusted system.
For Nigerians, the expanded NIN mandate means identity verification is expected to become increasingly standardised when accessing government services and a growing range of digital platforms, while businesses and institutions will be able to rely on stronger identity authentication infrastructure.
NIMC also said it is reinforcing trust in the digital identity ecosystem through the rollout of the National Public Key Infrastructure (nPKI), a security framework designed to support safer electronic transactions and digital communications while protecting citizens’ personal data.
The Commission says the broader reforms align with Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure strategy, which aims to strengthen governance, improve national security and expand access to efficient public services through interoperable digital systems.
Coker-Odusote said NIMC remains committed to leveraging innovation and secure digital identity systems to support national development, while calling for deeper collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders.
According to her, sustained partnership will be critical to ensuring that Nigeria’s digital identity infrastructure delivers improved transparency, accountability and service delivery outcomes as the Federal Government accelerates digital transformation initiatives nationwide.
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(1) Atiku Abubakar
Among those contesting for the presidential ticket of the ADC, Atiku stands tall as the most experienced. Atiku’s quest to be president of Nigeria started in 1993, with the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The SDP primaries was won by the late Moshood Abiola who took Baba Gana Kingibe as his running mate.
However, Atiku was said to have stepped down from the race under pressure from Shehu Musa Yar’adua.
At the dawn of democracy in 1999, Atiku was chosen by Olusegun Obasanjo as his running mate. However, after falling out with Obasanjo at the end of their tenure, in 2007 he defected and contested for the presidency on the platform of the Action Congress (AC). He was defeated by the late Umaru Musa Yar’adua of the PDP.
The former Vice President returned to the Peoples Democratic Party, in 2011 and challenged the former President Goodluck Jonathan for the PDP ticket. Atiku lost the party’s primary election to Jonathan. In 2015, Atiku led some PDP governors to the newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC) and challenged the late President Muhammadu Buhari and others for the presidential ticket, but lost the contest.
In 2019, Atiku returned to the PDP, won the primary, but lost the main election to the then President Muhammadu Buhari. In 2023, Atiku was also the PDP’s candidate, but lost to the incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a widely publicised interview on television, Atiku recently disclosed that the 2027 election will be his last, fueling speculation that he will do everything humanly possible to clinch the ticket of the party.
(2) Rotimi Amaechi
Rotimi Amaechi, one of the top contenders for the ticket of the ADC, is a former Speaker of the Rivers State and a governor in the same Rivers. In 2023, after the tenure of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, Amaechi contested for the presidential ticket of the APC with President Tinubu and lost.
Ahead of the coming election in 2027, Amaechi joined forces with the opposition coalition in the ADC and is now battling with others to clinch the presidential ticket.
As the battle for the ticket hots up, Amaechi was recently quoted in an interview with Trust TV, as saying that he did not purchase the nomination form of the ADC to step down or become a vice presidential candidate to anyone.
After his screening last week, Amaechi told journalists that he is a bonafide member of the ADC and will only accept the outcome of any consensus where he is part of and involved.
(3) Muhammed Hayatu-Deen
Muhammed Hayatu-Deen is another presidential aspirant that has been making waves ahead of the ADC presidential primary.
In 2023, Hayatu-Deen was one of the top presidential aspirants for the ticket of the party. He lost to Atiku.
Ahead of the primaries, Hayatu-Deen has urged delegates and stakeholders to use the primary to demonstrate the party’s readiness to offer Nigerians what he described as a credible alternative to failed governance and “recycled politics.”
Speaking in Abuja at the weekend, Hayatu-Deen described the forthcoming primary election as a defining moment not only for the party but also for Nigeria’s political future ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said. “Monday is not merely about selecting a candidate. Monday is about determining whether the ADC is truly serious about rescuing Nigeria and offering Nigerians a credible alternative to the failed politics they have endured for too long.”
Positioning himself as a unifying candidate capable of bridging regional, religious and generational divides, Hayatu-Deen argued that his candidacy represents a departure from established political figures.
“I am not on the carousel of the same old faces that Nigerians have seen for decades,” he stated. “I carry no political baggage. I owe no godfathers. What I bring is experience, credibility, integrity, calm leadership, and a practical recovery plan for Nigeria.”
The aspirant highlighted insecurity, unemployment, displacement and economic decline across North Central states, including Benue State, Plateau State, Niger State, Nasarawa State and Kogi State, describing persistent attacks on farming communities as both an economic and humanitarian crisis.
“A nation cannot prosper when the region that feeds it is bleeding,” he said.
The winner of the anticipated ADC presidential primary is expected to lead the party into the January 2027 presidential election and mount a challenge against incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC and probably Mr Peter Obi of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).
Remo Stars F.C. have officially confirmed their relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.
In an emotional statement released by the club, Remo Stars admitted the campaign ended far below expectations and described the outcome as heartbreaking for everyone connected to the team.
“This outcome is heartbreaking for everyone connected to the club,” the statement read.
The club acknowledged the disappointment experienced by supporters, players, management, and staff after failing to secure enough consistency throughout the season.
“We did not deliver the performances required to remain in the division,” the club implied.
Remo Stars also accepted responsibility for the disappointing campaign while recognizing the high expectations surrounding the team before the season began.
“We take full responsibility for the failure,” the statement noted.
Despite the setback, the club insisted it remains committed to rebuilding and returning stronger in the future.
“Our focus now shifts toward rebuilding with purpose and determination,” the statement added.
The club also expressed gratitude to supporters who continued standing by the team during difficult moments across the season.
“Your loyalty means everything to us,” Remo Stars stressed.
The relegation has sparked emotional reactions among fans, especially considering the club’s ambitions and recent progress within Nigerian football.
“It’s a painful moment for the club and supporters,” many football observers reacted.
Remo Stars, however, remain optimistic about rebuilding and fighting for a return to the top division.
For the club, the message is clear.
Mistakes have been acknowledged.
A rebuilding process is coming.
And the ambition to return stronger remains alive.
Because setbacks in football often become the beginning of a new chapter of growth and recovery.
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