By James Isaac
The Senate Committee on National Identity Management and Population, chaired by Senator Abdul Ningi, has called for an upward review of the 2025 budgetary allocation to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). This decision was reached during a budget defense session with NIMC officials on Tuesday, where the Committee expressed dissatisfaction with the insufficient funds allocated to the commission for 2024.
Senator Ningi questioned the logic behind using an “envelope budget template” for a critical agency like NIMC, responsible for securing the data of over 200 million Nigerians and engaging in vital local and international training. He stressed the need for adequate funding to ensure national security.
NIMC’s Director General/Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abisoye Coker Odusote, highlighted the challenges faced by the commission due to limited funds, including the inability to adopt modern technologies essential for its operations. Despite these challenges, she assured the Committee that staff salaries have been paid on time and outlined plans to enhance the commission’s internally generated revenue (IGR).
Engr. Odusote also acknowledged the Committee’s support, particularly praising Senator Ningi for his commitment to the commission’s cause.
In response, the Committee resolved to summon the Ministers of Budget and National Planning and the Minister of Finance to explain the rationale behind the meager allocation in the 2025 budget proposal. They also pledged to collaborate with the House of Representatives to ensure NIMC receive sufficient funding to meet its operational needs effectively.
