The Nigerian Senate has expressed concern over the multiple identification systems operated by various federal government agencies, describing them as a waste of resources.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and Telecommunications (ICT) and Cyber Crimes, Senator Salisu Shuaib, made the remark during an interactive session with the management and staff of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun state.
Senator Shuaib emphasized that the multiple identification systems are not contributing positively to the fight against insecurity.
He revealed that the Senate is engaging with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and other relevant ministries and agencies to harmonize the National Identification Number (NIN).
The existing identification systems include the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), National Identification Number (NIN), Bank Verification Number (BVN), and other digital identity platforms, including the one operated by the Nigerian immigration service. Senator Shuaib stressed that a single identity system is crucial in the fight against insecurity and corruption.
He assured that a unified digital identity system would facilitate the federal government’s planning and equitable distribution of resources for various intervention programs.
“The era of having multiple identities is not only a waste but also contributes to insecurity and corruption. We are working to harmonize our identity database to ensure a Nigerian who has registered with NIMC and has a national identity number is recognized across all platforms,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Olusola Kehinde, expressed the institution’s willingness to partner with relevant agencies to ensure food security in the country.
