NIMC on managing Nigeria’s identity for sustainable development

Nigeria is set to revolutionize its national identity management system by adopting a digital identification strategy, replacing traditional national identity cards with a more efficient and interconnected digital scheme. This shift is aimed at enhancing the linkage among different identity documents such as passports, driver's licenses, and digital identification numbers. The country's Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, highlighted the decision to transition to a digital identification system as a proactive step towards improving national identity management. The move aligns with global trends in digital transformation and is expected to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and ensure better coordination among various government-issued identity documents. Joining CNBC Africa's Christy Cole for a discussion on this groundbreaking initiative was Aliyu Aziz, the Director-General and CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). Aziz shed light on the importance of embracing digital solutions for identity management, emphasizing the need for Nigeria to stay abreast of technological advancements for sustainable development. One of the key points of the conversation was the decision to replace traditional national identity cards with a digital scheme. This shift holds immense promise in improving the accuracy and reliability of identity verification processes in Nigeria. By having a centralized digital identification system that connects various identity documents, individuals can access services more seamlessly and securely. Aziz expressed confidence in the new digital identification system's ability to streamline processes and enhance efficiency in national identity management. The integration of digital technology is expected to bring about a paradigm shift in how identity information is stored, accessed, and verified in Nigeria. Furthermore, the discussion touched upon the strategic importance of managing national identity for sustainable development. Aziz highlighted the role of a robust identity management system in enabling economic growth, enhancing security, and promoting digital inclusion. By ensuring that individuals have a secure and reliable means of identification, Nigeria is laying a strong foundation for its digital future. The implementation of a digital identification system is not just a technological upgrade but a strategic move towards modernizing governance and enhancing service delivery. With the new system, Nigerians can expect a more efficient and user-friendly experience when it comes to identity verification and access to essential services. In conclusion, Nigeria's embrace of digital transformation for national identity management marks a significant step towards a more secure, efficient, and interconnected system. By leveraging technology to enhance identity verification processes, the country is poised to unlock new opportunities for economic development and inclusive growth. The transition to a digital identification scheme underscores Nigeria's commitment to leveraging innovation for sustainable development in the digital age.