Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment To Transforming Service Delivery For Nigerians

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as a tool for improving the transformation of service delivery to all Nigerians, emphasising the
digital identity plays a critical role in national socio-economic development.

President Tinubu committed his remarks at the 6th National Identity Day, which was organised by the National Identity Management Commission.

The event drew delegations from various African countries, including Kenya, South Sudan, Cote d’Ivoire, and Namibia, as well as corporate organisations and state government representatives.

The President, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, stated that this year’s Identity Day theme, “Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) – Enabling Access to Services,” emphasises the critical role that digital identity plays in the nation’s development.

He stated that in today’s digital age, the ability to prove one’s identity is more than just convenient; it is a cornerstone of our socioeconomic progress. DPI serves as the foundation for access to essential services such as healthcare, education, financial inclusion, and social welfare. We can ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of background or location, has the opportunity to fully participate in our country’s growth by implementing a robust DPI.”

He stated that the success of the country’s digital identity initiatives is inextricably linked to his administration’s 8-point agenda, which includes food security, ending poverty, economic growth and job creation, access to capital, improving security, enhancing the business environment, upholding the rule of law, and combating corruption.

He emphasised that by utilising DPI, Nigeria can streamline service delivery, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and ensure that government programs reach those who require them the most.

The President stated: “It goes without saying that a strong, efficient digital identity system has proven critical to the success of government programs such as farmer incentives, the student loan scheme, the National Youth Talent Export Programme, the Renewed Hope City and Estate Housing initiative, the Skill-Up Artisans Program, and others. Verifiable identity is critical for ensuring that the right services and assistance are delivered to the right people when they are needed.

“The “Renewed Hope” initiative reflects our commitment to promoting sustainable development and raising the living standards of all Nigerians. Digital identity is an important enabler of this vision. It empowers individuals, makes economic transactions easier, and improves transparency and accountability in governance. With a trustworthy digital identity system, we can create a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria.

In his keynote address, Minister of Interior Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo stated that the nation cannot find a solution to national security without addressing issues of identity management.

He stated that identity management is at the heart of economic emancipation and even industrialisation.

He stated that “we must get the people’s identity right to provide basic services for them,” and that “the principle of the EOI (Evidence of Identity) plays a prominent role because identity is the foundation, identity is the cradle, the beginning of every development.”

He did, however, warn that if the country fails to pay the necessary attention to identity management, it will face challenges such as reputational damage because it will be unable to distinguish between good and bad people and may struggle to provide basic policing and basic amenities of life for the people.

He stated: “When dealing with identity, you must also consider data protection, which is why we have the Data Protection Act, which is fundamental in any democracy in the world. The government has the right to use its citizens’ identities, and the people have the right to protect their identities.”

He stated that Nigeria must put an end to the era of individuals with multiple identities, emphasising that if the country does not address the issue of identity proliferation, it will remain vulnerable to the state’s enemies.

The minister emphasised that the NIMC is the custodian of identity by law and that the commission’s mandate should be expanded to include tax, driver’s licenses, banks, and even telcos, as well as all data-related issues because it is the country’s data repository.

He revealed that the Ministry will collaborate with NIMC to establish the Digital Travel Certificate (DTC) and implement the Centralised Citizen Integrity and Document Authentication System (CCIDAS) to track people wherever they go to reduce crime.

In her remarks, NIMC Director General Abisoye Coker-Odusote stated that the event emphasises the importance of identity and its use for inclusion, protection, and empowerment, noting that data management has resulted in the enrolment of 110 million Nigerians thus far.

She stated: “With the federal government’s investment and palliative programs to cushion the impact of ongoing hardship on citizens, particularly the most vulnerable segments of society, the focus of this event is on a strong digital infrastructure to support the empowerment initiative.”

She stated that DPI is a public-sector network that enables the country to deliver opportunities and social services to its citizens and legal residents safely and effectively and that NIMC is at the forefront of providing national identity to all Nigerians.

“PTI has encouraged innovation to accelerate financial inclusion and transform citizens’ lives by providing efficient and cost-effective services,” she stated.