The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has partnered with online editors and digital media stakeholders under the aegis of Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) to enhance digital security and promote wider adoption of the National Identification Number (NIN) system in Nigeria.
The collaborative initiative, tagged ‘Two Day Roundtable with Online Publishers’ themed: ‘Building Trust in Digital Identity: Strengthening Media Partnerships for a Secure and Inclusive Ecosystem’ aims to strengthen communication, foster trust, and improve the accuracy of information about Nigeria’s digital identity management efforts.
Speaking during the programme which held in Abuja, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), appealed to the media to play a more active role in informing Nigerians about their rights to digital identity.
Represented by DG, Dr. Alvan Ikoku, Director of the Special Project Office, the NIMC boss emphasized the importance of collaboration between the media and NIMC to enhance transparency and counter misinformation surrounding the National Identity Management System.
According to her, over 122 million Nigerians have been registered in the national identity database as of July 2025.
Abisoye Coker-Odusote informed that NIMC is working with government bodies, private sector stakeholders, and international organizations to boost identity verification and service access.
She affirmed that the New tools like the NINAuth mobile app and a self-service enrollment and update platform have been launched to streamline registration and reduce wait times.
Calling digital identity a gateway to financial inclusion, education, enterprise, and social services, Coker-Odusote urged the media to help spread clear, accurate, and accessible information.
She stressed that increasing digital literacy and public trust in the system is key to building an inclusive, reliable national identity framework.
“The media must help amplify real-life stories that show how digital identity empowers citizens,” she said.
The workshop underscored the media’s critical role in bridging knowledge gaps and ensuring no Nigerian is left behind in the nation’s digital transformation.
The roundtable also provided opportunity for NIMC to clarify its mandate and initiatives, addressing misconceptions while engaging online publishers as critical digital gatekeepers who shape public perception.
Feedback from the media stakeholders is expected to inform policy adjustments and operational improvements to better meet citizens’ needs.
NIMC assured it will maintain ongoing communication channels with online publishers, conduct trainings, and launch public education campaigns to demystify the NIN process and highlight its benefits, thereby enhancing digital trust and security nationwide.
The partnership with online editors is part of NIMC’s multi-sectoral approach to safeguard Nigeria’s digital infrastructure alongside collaborations with security agencies and technology partners.
It complements efforts such as cooperation with the Nigeria Police Force’s National Cybercrime Center and collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in fortifying the country’s digital ecosystem.
With over 122 million Nigerians now registered for the NIN, the strengthened engagement with online media is strategic for sustaining ID adoption, boosting digital security, and promoting confidence in Nigeria’s expanding digital economy.
The NIMC’s initiative underscores the critical role that accurate information dissemination and media partnership play in securing Nigeria’s digital identity future.
The development positions ACOE as key allies in NIMC’s mission to enhance digital security and public trust in the national ID system, aligning with the nation’s drive towards a digital and secure identity infrastructure.
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