The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with the media, particularly online Publishers, as a strategic step to build public trust in Nigeria’s digital identity system and drive inclusive enrolment across all segments of society.
This renewed push was made during opening ceremony of a two-day roundtable engagement with members of the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE), holding in Abuja from July 24 to 25, 2025. The event, themed “Building Trust in Digital Identity: Strengthening Media Partnerships for a Secure, Inclusive Ecosystem,” organized by NIMC in collaboration with the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Director General/CEO of NIMC, Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the Director/Head of Strategy and Program Office, Dr. Alvan Ikoku, emphasized the vital role of the media in amplifying accurate information, shaping public perception, and holding institutions accountable in the nation’s identity journey.
Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote noted that since January 2022, when NIN enrolment stood at 72.7 million, the figure has grown significantly to over 122 million as of July 2025, representing a 49 percent increase. This, she said, reflected the collective impact of reform-driven leadership, strategic stakeholder engagements, and enhanced public sensitisation.
NIMC DG commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity framework. He also reiterated NIMC’s resolve to ensure that the national identity system is inclusive, robust, and technology-driven offering every Nigerian a secure means of identification that facilitate access to public and private services.
Also speaking at the event, the Coordinator of the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project, Mrs. Tito Ejenavi, described the roundtable as a bridge-building initiative designed to sustain collaboration between NIMC and online media professionals who play a key role in public enlightenment.
She highlighted the ID4D Project’s support in expanding access to foundational ID, especially for underserved populations, while backing critical infrastructure upgrades and reforms within NIMC. According to her, the Project’s work has been guided by a strong principle of inclusion, ensuring that vulnerable groups are not left behind in the enrolment process.
Mrs. Ejenavi underscored the importance of the media in combating misinformation and championing stories that promote understanding and acceptance of digital identity. She expressed appreciation to the NIMC DG, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, for her visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of a more inclusive and people-focused identity system.
On behalf of the Association of Corporate Online Editors, Mr. Sola Akingboye, the President, commended NIMC and the ID4D team for recognising the importance of media partnership in the success of national projects. He assured the Commission of ACOE’s continued collaboration in promoting accurate and impactful narratives around digital identity.
Akingboye encouraged his colleagues to use their platforms to educate citizens, engage communities, and support the national enrolment drive through the publication of verified and balanced information.
Participants at the roundtable also engaged in technical sessions delivered by top NIMC officials. Mr. Elias Okafor, Director of the Identity Ecosystem Unit, presented a paper titled “NIMC Nationwide Ecosystem Enrolment: Essence, Approach, Benefits and Challenges,” which explored the Commission’s strategy for improving enrolment coverage and service delivery.
Dr. Alvan Ikoku presented a second paper titled “NIMC’s Strategic Alliances and Partnerships with MDAs: Implementation for Inclusion,” where he highlighted the role of institutional collaboration in achieving a cohesive identity ecosystem.
Rounding off the knowledge sessions, Mrs. Uche Chigbo, Director, Southeast Territory,in her presentation titled “Optimizing Operational Performance in NIMC: Innovative Approaches to Strengthen Systems, Processes and People,” which focused on internal reforms, change management, and capacity-building efforts aimed at enhancing the Commission’s responsiveness and efficiency.
The Abuja engagement is the sixth edition of NIMC’s ongoing stakeholder roundtable series and the second with ACOE. It comes a week after a similar engagement with the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) was held in Lagos.
As the workshop continues, NIMC called on online editors to remain active partners in the national identity journey by promoting the use of NIN, engaging communities at the grassroots, countering misinformation, and offering feedback on enrolment challenges faced by citizens.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to building a secure, unified, and inclusive digital identity system that leaves no Nigerian behind.
