The Senate announced that it is working with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and other key government entities to unify the National Identification Number (NIN).
The Senate revealed its plan to collaborate with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and other related agencies to consolidate the National Identification Number (NIN), the Bank Verification Number (BVN), and other digital identification systems into a single unified platform.
Salisu Shuiab, Chair of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Crimes, made this statement during a discussion with the leadership and staff of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) in Ogun State.
Shuiab, who represents Ogun Central, mentioned that the unification of identity systems is part of the Federal government’s approach to combating corruption and enhancing security.
He noted that having multiple identification systems such as NIN, BVN, and international passports is inefficient and complicates the fight against crime and corruption.
A consolidated digital identity system, he explained, would also aid the Federal government in its various social programs by allowing for more equitable resource distribution.
“I can guarantee Nigerians that the days of fragmented identity systems, where one person has multiple identification numbers across various platforms, is not only wasteful but also contributes to insecurity and corruption.
“We are moving towards harmonizing our identity databases. We are coordinating with relevant ministries—like the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, the Ministry of Industry, and the head of the National Identity Management Commission—to ensure that Nigerians with a national identity number from NIMC are recognized across all platforms, whether for passports, driver’s licenses, or other government programs.
“You can’t have a reliable digital economy without a robust digital identity system, and that begins with unifying our databases so that one individual is recognized across the board,” Shuiab stated.
He proposed a collaboration between FUNAAB and his office for the training of rural farmers in agricultural practices.
In response, the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Olusola Kehinde, indicated the university’s interest in partnering with relevant agencies to boost food security in the country.
