The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has hinted about its plan to commence a nationwide ward-level enrollment exercise for the National Identification Number (NIN) effective from Monday, February 16, this year.
The Commission’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Kayode Adegoke, in a statement issued on Tuesday, explained that the initiative was in line with the government’s directive mandating the commission to deepen NIN registration to the grassroots.
According to him, the exercise is aimed at ensuring the comprehensive registration of every Nigerian citizen and legal resident, including children and adults, into the National Identity Database. The enrollment will be conducted free of charge as part of the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda to promote inclusive governance, national development, and improved access to identity services.
The spokesman of the commission stated that the ward-level initiative was a strategic move to deepen identity inclusion by decentralizing its operations and bringing services closer to communities with the attendant implications for improved accessibility, reduction of the burden of travel for applicants, and encouraging wider participation in the exercise.
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As part of preparations for the rollout, the NIMC confirmed that it had commenced engagements with stakeholders at the national, state, and local government levels to improve sensitization and awareness on the importance and benefits of NIN to them and the country.
It maintained that state and local government authorities, traditional rulers, community leaders, market associations, and faith-based organizations were being consulted to ensure a smooth and seamless registration process across all wards.
The Commission urged Nigerians and legal residents, who were yet to enroll for the NIN, to take advantage of the opportunity of the latest registration initiative and participate fully in the exercise, encouraging families to enroll their children, parents, and wards within their communities.
It added that ward enrollment schedules, which will guide the rotational deployment of licensed front-end partners and its staff, were available on its official website and advised members of the public seeking further information, assistance, or to lodge complaints to contact it through its toll-free line.
