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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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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted healthcare providers, importers, distributors and caregivers to the recall of approximately 90,000 bottles of Children’s Ibuprofen Oral Suspension in the US due to contamination concerns.
In a public alert issued on Saturday, the agency said it received notification that the United States Food and Drug Administration had announced the recall following reports of foreign material in the product.
According to NAFDAC, the recall was initiated by Strides Pharma Inc. after consumers complained of a “gel-like mass” and “black particles” in the oral suspension.
Children’s Ibuprofen Oral Suspension, USP (100 mg/5 mL), is commonly used to relieve pain associated with the common cold, flu, sore throat, headache and toothache in children, and to reduce fever.
Health risks
NAFDAC warned that the presence of foreign material in medicinal products could compromise their quality, safety and effectiveness.
The agency noted that administering contaminated oral suspensions may result in adverse reactions, particularly among children, and could pose choking or gastrointestinal risks depending on the nature of the contaminant.
Affected products
The affected product is Children’s Ibuprofen Oral Suspension, USP, 100 mg/5 mL, packaged in 120 mL (4 fl. oz.) bottles.
The product was manufactured by Strides Pharma Inc. in India for Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.
NAFDAC said the affected batches are lot numbers 7261973A and 7261974A, with an expiry date of 31 January 2027.
The recalled products were distributed nationwide in the US.
Surveillance in Nigeria
Although the affected products were distributed and recalled within the US, NAFDAC said it is taking precautionary measures to prevent them from entering Nigeria through authorised or unauthorised channels.
The agency said it had directed all its zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance activities and remove the products from circulation if found in their jurisdictions.
“NAFDAC remains committed to safeguarding public health and will continue surveillance activities to ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines circulating in Nigeria,” the agency said.
Advice to healthcare providers, parents
NAFDAC advised importers, distributors, retailers and healthcare professionals to remain vigilant and ensure that medical products are sourced only from authorised and licensed suppliers.
The agency also urged healthcare facilities to immediately inspect their inventories and quarantine any affected batches if identified.
Parents and caregivers who possess the recalled products, or who may have administered them to children, were advised to stop using them immediately and seek medical attention if any unusual reactions are observed.
READ ALSO: NAFDAC destroys counterfeit, expired products worth N1.8bn in Abuja
NAFDAC further encouraged healthcare professionals and members of the public to report adverse reactions associated with medicinal products through its pharmacovigilance channels, including its e-reporting platform and the Med Safety mobile application.
The agency said reports could also be submitted through the nearest NAFDAC office or via its designated pharmacovigilance email address.
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NWFL Super Six: ‘Not Time for Celebration Yet’ — Aduku Maintains Focus Ahead of Bayelsa Queens Decider
Head coach of Edo Queens, Moses Aduku, has insisted that his team will not get carried away despite moving to the top of the 2026 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership Super Six standings following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Rivers Angels.
READ ALSO: Thierry Henry Clarifies ‘Nigeria Shorts’ Joke After iShowSpeed Incident’s Backlash
The Matchday Four win pushed Edo Queens to nine points from four matches and set up a decisive final-day clash against defending champions Bayelsa Queens at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.
Aduku praised his players for their resilience and discipline after bouncing back from an opening-day defeat to record three consecutive victories in the competition.
“I want to give kudos to my girls for playing to instruction and also for believing in ourselves that we could bounce back after that opening defeat,” Aduku said after the match.
Despite the impressive turnaround, the experienced tactician stressed that the team’s mission is far from complete, warning against premature celebrations ahead of the title showdown.
“We are not celebrating yet. Our focus completely shifts to Bayelsa Queens — that’s all I can say for now. We know we have one final hurdle to clear against a very tough opponent who happen to be the defending champions,” he added.
The upcoming encounter is expected to be a thrilling finale to the NWFL Super Six, with Bayelsa Queens also still in contention for the title as they seek to defend their crown.
For Edo Queens, victory in the decisive fixture would complete a remarkable redemption story and secure the club’s first-ever NWFL Premiership title.
The Benin City side has shown remarkable character throughout the tournament, recovering from early disappointment to place themselves within touching distance of domestic glory.
All eyes will now be on Port Harcourt as two of Nigeria’s top women’s football clubs battle for supremacy in what promises to be a high-stakes season finale.
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