NIMC DG Engr Abisoye Coker-Odusote
By TOM CHIAHEMEN, Abuja –
Director-General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, has reassured Nigerians, at home, and in the diaspora, that robust measures are in place to safeguard the nation’s database from cyber threats.
The Director-General, who gave the assurance in Abuja on Wednesday, also pledged that pursuant to one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), the NIMC would not rest, until every citizen of Nigeria – at home and in the diaspora – and legal residents, are captured on the country’s identity database.
The SDG (16.9) seeks to ensure that everyone on the earth planet has a form of identity by 2030.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day RoundTable with Publishers of Online Newspapers in Nigeria, Engr Coker-Odusote, said that NIMC’s infrastructure adheres to the stringent ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management System Standard, ensuring that the highest standards of data protection are maintained.
In apparent reference to the trending controversy over an alleged breach of the Commission’s database, Engr Coker-Odusote assured that under her leadership, “NIMC has an unwavering commitment to upholding ethical standards in data protection, pointing out that cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and real-time monitoring systems were in place to protect the database.
“We are also very deliberate about ensuring that all partners and vendors of the commission comply with strict security standards,” she added.
She also announced that the NIMC was very deliberate about inclusion, adding that a compelling strategy is already in place, with support from the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project to ensure that those that are at the risk of being excluded on Nigeria’s identity project were adequately covered.
“From persons with disabilities, to women and children, the elderly, and those in rural and hard to reach areas, we are determined to ensure that no one is left behind,” she said.
According to the NIMC boss, one of the objectives of the RoundTable was “to strengthen collaboration with the media, pursuant to our determination to regularly keep the public informed about the steps being taken to secure their data, the commission’s activities, updates, success stories, as well as challenges.”
Earlier in her remarks, the Coordinator, Project Implementation Unit, Nigeria Digital ID4D Project, Mrs. Tito Ejenavi, observed that historically, identity systems had often inadvertently marginalized certain groups due to logistical challenges and social stigmas, particularly affecting women and persons with disabilities.
“We are committed to reversing this trend by ensuring that our ID system is inclusive, equitable, and accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of their socio-economic status, gender, or physical abilities,” she said.
According to Mrs. Ejenayi, the foundational ID system that the NIMC was building “is not just about numbers; it’s about people and their access to rights and services.’
“By strengthening our national identity infrastructure, the NIMC and we aim to bolster Nigeria’s digital economy, enhance data protection, and close the inclusion gaps that hinder access to identification and related key services,” she said.
“This is particularly crucial for marginalized groups, including persons living with disabilities and the rural poor,” she explained.
In his brief remarks, the Deputy President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOPOP), Danlami Nmodu mni, commended the management of the NIMC for the initiative and assured that the online newspaper publishers would partner the commission in promoting its programmes and activities for the realization of its mandate and objectives.
