The Nigerian Federal Government has moved the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) into the Ministry of Interior in an effort to address the growing problems that are related to the issuing of National Identity Numbers (NIN) and passports.
This is an important step that has been taken by the government in an effort to address these issues. This step is being made with the intention of streamlining the procedures pertaining to NIN and passport clearance, both of which are key criteria for acquiring overseas passports and a variety of other documents relating to travel.
Up until this point, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) was accountable to the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy for its operations. This strategic shift, on the other hand, was spurred by the urgent need to improve both the effectiveness and accessibility of NIN and passport services.
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Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC Speaks
The revelation was confirmed by Kayode Adegoke, who serves as the Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC. Adegoke further stressed that the agency is actively working on innovations to address the difficulties that are faced by Nigerians. In his words:
“Yes, we have been moved. We are coming up with several innovations to address the problems. Nigerians will have opportunities to make online requests for changes of dates of birth, or any updates regarding their personal information. They will apply online and get responses in real-time.”
During the time of the administration that came before this one, the Nigerian Internet and Mobile Communications Commission (NIMC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) worked together to combine the Nigerian Identification Number (NIN) with Subscriber Identity Modules (SIM) as part of a larger effort to address issues relating to kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism. Over one hundred million Nigerians were able to link their NINs with their SIM cards thanks to an endeavour that was carried out over the course of three years.
The mandate of President Tinubu’s administration to minimise hurdles and delays in the purchase of NIN and passports is in line with the decision to transfer the NIMC to the Ministry of the Interior. The expeditious manner in which this transfer is being carried out exemplifies the government’s dedication to finding effective solutions to these crucial problems.
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More about the relocating of the NIMC
The Nigerian Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is being moved within the Ministry of Interior as a direct response to the pressing requirement to handle the backlog of passport applications in the country of Nigeria. In the past, the Minister of the Interior, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had requested that the backlog of more than 200,000 passport application submissions be cleared. Over 55,000 applications were successfully processed in the span of just five days after the deadline was established.
Minister Tunji-Ojo emphasised the significance of these measures to lessen the shortage of passports and the delays in their issue, both of which frequently play a role in the proliferation of corruption within the system. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to provide solutions and stressed that it is no longer possible to carry on with “business as usual.”
“We have critically analysed all these scenarios – from the point of going online to fill the form to the point of payment, to the point of picking a date, to the point of biometrics, to the point of issuance of passports. And we understand the service providers involved and we have been able to see one or two things to put right.”
The government has done a full review of the passport application process, from online form completion to payment, biometrics, and passport issue, with the purpose of resolving bottlenecks and upgrading the system.
In response to the minister’s ultimatum, the Public Relations Officer of NIMC, Dr. Dotun Aridegbe, stated that the NIS Acting Comptroller General, Mrs. Wura-Ola Adepoju, has been proactive in achieving the given date. He highlighted that all facilities and equipment are functioning efficiently, and workers are working diligently, including on weekends, to facilitate the efficient processing of passport applications across the country.
