NIMC DG Hails Online Editors’ Support as NIN Enrolment Drive Hits Ward Level Nationwide

NIMC DG Hails Online Editors’ Support as NIN Enrolment Drive Hits Ward Level Nationwide

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 its strategic role in amplifying awareness of the Commission’s initiatives, particularly the ongoing National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment nationwide.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by ACOE to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, the DG described the partnership between NIMC and the online editors as invaluable in advancing Nigeria’s digital identity agenda.

Coker-Odusote, who was represented by senior directors, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to improved service delivery, enhanced staff welfare, and expanded NIN enrolment to fulfil its constitutional mandate of registering all Nigerians.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the DG, the Director of Human Capital Management, Mrs. Rhoda Jackden, expressed appreciation for the visibility and support NIMC has received through ACOE’s consistent media engagement.

“We appreciate your unwavering support through collaborative meetings, workshops, and engagements. Our Human Capital Management Department remains committed to staff welfare, training, and capacity development to ensure every employee is fully equipped to deliver on the Commission’s mandate,” she said.

According to her, over 3,700 staff members across various levels underwent training in the past year, including management development programmes designed to strengthen institutional efficiency.

Jackden disclosed that NIMC has intensified enrolment efforts at the ward level across the country, following the launch of the initiative on February 16, 2026. She noted that obtaining a NIN has become essential for accessing government services and is central to the administration’s drive to improve service delivery and national inclusion.

She added that with the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commission is making significant strides toward enrolling all Nigerians in preparation for the issuance of the General Multipurpose Card.

The DG also appreciated ACOE for conferring on her the Exemplary Service Award, describing the recognition as encouraging.

Earlier, ACOE Chairman, Sola Akingboye, lauded Coker-Odusote’s leadership since assuming office in 2023, describing her tenure as a defining period in Nigeria’s digital identity evolution.

He noted that NIN enrolment has surpassed 120 million, significantly expanding the national identity database. He further highlighted operational reforms that reportedly reduced extortion and unauthorised charges at enrolment centres by 40 per cent, restored public confidence, and cleared a two-year backlog of payments owed to Front-End Partners (FEPs).

Akingboye also cited the deployment of over 800 mobile enrolment devices to underserved communities and the distribution of more than 2,500 new systems to modernise infrastructure and enhance operational efficiency.

On staff welfare, he acknowledged reforms including a 25–30 per cent salary increase approved by the President, the promotion of over 3,000 staff members, and the introduction of welfare initiatives such as staff bus services and food support programmes.

“These milestones reflect visionary leadership and a firm commitment to sanitising, digitising, and strengthening Nigeria’s identity framework,” he said.

The ACOE chairman reaffirmed the association’s dedication to ethical journalism and responsible digital storytelling, pledging continued support in projecting NIMC’s reforms and achievements through credible reporting.

“In today’s digital era, perception shapes policy impact. Our editors are well positioned to translate technical reforms into accessible, citizen-focused narratives that build public trust,” he stated.

He also requested sustained media engagement with the DG and management team, including guided tours of selected NIMC facilities and regular media briefings to enhance transparency and public awareness.

As part of the visit’s highlights, Coker-Odusote was presented with the association’s symbolic muffler — described as a mark of honour and inclusion reserved for distinguished personalities — in recognition of her contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem.

Among those in attendance were the Director of Media and Communications, Kayode Adegoke (PhD); Director, Office of the DG, Mr. Elvis Alagbegbe; Director of Human Capital Management, Mrs. Rhoda Jackden; Head of Content, Halima Lawal; and members of the visiting ACOE delegation led by their chairman.