Our attention has been drawn to a publication in some news media platforms quoting the Director General of National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) as saying that the Commission has suspended the issuance of National Identification Cards for the next three years.

It should be recalled that a similar article was published on 1st April, 2018 by a major Newspaper which was adequately addressed by the Commission.

We wish to inform the general public that the report, especially the headline, is false and misleading as the Commission has not suspended the issuance of Cards to successful enrollees at any time.

The DG at the said event which held in Ibadan recently had stated that the focus of the Commission for the next three years via the Ecosystem is to populate the National Identity Database (NIDB) and issue the NIN while issuing the National e-ID Cards to successful enrollees, stating that the world is moving towards digital identity and there is a need to bridge the digital divide.

Accordingly, all individuals who, upon completion of their enrolment, have received an SMS are invited to proceed to the NIMC Office where they enrolled to pick up their Cards. Those who have not received an SMS can equally check the status of their cards on the NIMC website via www.nimc.gov.ng.

The NIN can also be accessed by using USSD code, dial *346# and follow the prompt, this service is available on all mobile networks.

Citizens and legal residents who have also relocated from where they enrolled are advised to visit any NIMC office closest to them to request a card transfer form, which they would fill, and submit to the State Coordinator for processing.

However, Nigerians and Legal Residents are reminded that the National Identification Number (NIN) is the unique identifier and most important token issued by the Commission and not the physical e-ID Card.

The NIN, which is fast gaining acceptance by Nigerians, is a set of 11 non-intelligent numbers randomly assigned to an individual at the completion of enrolment into the National Identity Database (NIDB).

The NIN is used to tie all records about an individual in the database and is verifiable via the NIMC Verification Service (NVS) portal which is made available to institutions and organizations upon request.

Section 27 (1) and (2) of the NIMC Act, 2007, states that transactions including, application for and issuance of an International Passport; opening of individual and/or group bank accounts, all consumer credits; purchase of insurance policies, purchase, transfer and registration of land by any individual; National Health Insurance Scheme, and such transactions that have social security implications, registration of voters, payment of taxes, and pensions, will be done with the NIN.

Thus, all NIMC stakeholders, including the media as well as the general public are enjoined to stop peddling half-truths, or outright falsehood, but rather, work with the Commission to ensure the success of the National Identity Management System for National growth and development.

Signed

Loveday Chika Ogbonna
Head, Corporate Communications Unit, NIMC