- The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has licenced the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to enrol inmates for the National Identification Number (NIN).
- This decentralisation aims to streamline operations, expand the national database, and improve service delivery.
- The initiative aligns with NIMC’s broader efforts to digitise and optimise Nigeria’s identity management system.
This decision comes as part of NIMC's drive to decentralise its operations. By involving NCoS, NIMC effectively delegates a significant portion of the workload, easing congestion at registration centres and enabling the commission to allocate resources more strategically. Such efforts aim to address the longstanding challenges of slow enrolment growth and administrative bottlenecks.
Last year, NIMC introduced a self-service portal for data modifications, signaling a shift towards digital solutions. This change allowed users to update information independently, reflecting NIMC’s commitment to efficiency and accessibility in service delivery.
Including inmates in the enrolment process represents a vital step toward building a more robust and inclusive national identity database. This database is a cornerstone for effective governance, economic planning, and national security.
By integrating all Nigerians, regardless of their circumstances, into the system, the government ensures broader representation and equitable access to services.
Earlier efforts by NIMC included the launch of a mobile application enabling Nigerians abroad to register remotely. This solution was introduced to make the process more accessible to the diaspora, reflecting the commission's adaptive approach to identity management challenges.
Enroling inmates not only advances the goal of digital inclusion but also improves security within correctional facilities. A standardised identification system helps authorities monitor and manage inmate records more efficiently, reducing administrative errors and enhancing safety protocols.
As digital identity becomes an increasingly critical element of governance and public service delivery, initiatives like this underline the importance of inclusivity in building a resilient and comprehensive national identity system.
NIMC’s collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service sets a precedent for leveraging partnerships to enhance operational efficiency and inclusivity. By extending the benefits of identity registration to all segments of society, including those often overlooked, Nigeria takes another step towards an equitable and digitally empowered future.