The Director-General of the Nigerian Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr (Dr) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, has commended the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) for their pivotal role in promoting awareness of the National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment across Nigeria. She assured that with continued collaboration, registration at ward levels would be further enhanced.
Coker-Odusote made the remarks during a courtesy visit by members of ACOE to NIMC’s headquarters in Abuja. Represented by Mrs Rhoda Jackden, Director of Human Capital Management, the DG highlighted the strategic importance of online media in amplifying NIMC’s mandate and ensuring Nigerians understand the significance of obtaining their NIN.
“Your support has been invaluable in educating citizens and increasing compliance with digital identity regulations,” Mrs Jackden stated on behalf of the DG. “Through this partnership, we have achieved greater visibility, strengthened public trust, and driven NIN enrolment efforts across the country.”
The DG also underscored key institutional achievements under her leadership, including enhanced staff welfare, administrative reforms, and targeted enrolment at the grassroots. She noted that over 3,700 staff members were trained last year to improve operational efficiency, and efforts are ongoing to ensure every Nigerian has access to a NIN, particularly through the recently launched ward-level enrolment initiative.
Echoing this sentiment, ACOE Chairman, Sola Akingboye, praised the DG’s transformative leadership since 2023, noting that NIMC’s enrolment figures have now surpassed 120 million Nigerians. He highlighted operational reforms, including a 40% reduction in extortion and unauthorised fees at enrolment centres, clearing of longstanding payments to Front-End Partners, and the deployment of over 800 mobile enrolment devices alongside 2,500 upgraded systems nationwide.
Akingboye further lauded welfare improvements, including salary adjustments approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, staff promotions, and initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity and institutional stability. He reaffirmed ACOE’s commitment to ethical journalism and responsible digital storytelling, pledged continued support for NIMC’s reforms, accurate reporting, and public education on digital identity.
The visit culminated in the presentation of ACOE’s ceremonial muffler to the DG, symbolising honour, recognition, and the strong partnership between the Commission and the media body.
Among the NIMC officials present were Director of Media and Communications, Kayode Adegoke; Director of the Office of the DG, Elvis Alagbegbe; Director of Human Resources, Mrs Rhoda Jackden; and Head of Content, Halima Lawal, alongside the visiting ACOE delegation led by its chairman.
