Business
Nat Identity Management System Is Now Functional -DG
The Director-General, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Mr Chris Onyeneme, yesterday said that the National Identity Management System (NIMS) “is now functional’’.
Oneymeme, who made this known in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, said that the task of verifying and authenticating identity cards had become more effective.
“After decades of trying the system, it is finally a reality for NIMS to ensure safety of Nigerian identities.
“Commission is also working tirelessly to ensure that proliferation of data, fraudulent activities and cases of insecurity among others are addressed within the shortest possible time,’’ he said.
Onyemenam said that the commission was working toward the harmonisation and integration of data in partnership with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
He stated that NIMC would go into partnership with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) by August.
According to him, the NIMS has come to stay in Nigeria after decades of trying.
“It is the foundation identity that can be verified and authenticated either online or offline, before any service can be rendered to any individual,’’ he said.
The D-G said that the system would also contribute to the enhancement of security in the country.
“It is interesting to note that tackling insecurity and reaching out to the poor and unemployed is part of the present administration’s agenda.
“With the National Identity Management System in place, assured identity and global access is the future of Nigeria,’’ he said.
Onyemenam said that Nigeria had witnessed series of poverty alleviation programme which failed to reach the beneficiaries because of lack of authentic identity management system to verify beneficiaries.
“Leveraging on the NIMS, every Nigerian will be enrolled and issued the unique National Identification Number (NIN), and a smartcard which carries the beneficiaries’ biometrics.
“The system makes it possible to verify and confirm the identity of potential beneficiaries into the social welfare schemes, while ensuring the exclusion of persons who are not qualified to benefit,’’ Onyemenam said.
“Payment of tuition fees for undergraduate/postgraduate studies shall be subject to a maximum limit of $25,000.00 per semester,” the Manual states.
The expansion of international card limits also reflects growing confidence among lenders that foreign exchange liquidity has improved enough to support retail dollar transactions.
Speaking recently at the BusinessDay 14th Annual CEO Forum in Lagos, CBN Olayemi Cardoso, governor of the CBN said buying and selling activities now increasingly determine outcomes in the foreign exchange market, unlike in the past when market participants relied heavily on routine Central Bank interventions.
According to Cardoso, Nigeria’s net foreign exchange reserves have risen from just over $3 billion at the start of the reform programme to more than $40 billion, while gross reserves have climbed to about $52 billion, providing stronger confidence for investors and enabling the Central Bank to reserve interventions for periods of market stress rather than day-to-day liquidity management.
The restoration and expansion of international naira card spending limits are increasingly being seen as one of the clearest signs that the benefits of the CBN’s foreign exchange reforms are beginning to reach households, students and businesses making legitimate cross-border payments.
The Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer, WEC, Dr Angela Wilkinson, disclosed this in a statement, last Thursday.
“Nigeria’s participation comes at a pivotal time as the country seeks to expand energy access, strengthen energy security, accelerate gas development and mobilise the capital required for industrialisation and sustainable economic growth.
“WEC Nigeria will convene leaders from across the energy ecosystem, apply the WEC’s globally recognised Energy Trilemma framework to Nigeria’s unique context, and promote evidence-based dialogue, practical collaboration and informed policymaking.
“It will also ensure that Nigerian and broader African perspectives contribute meaningfully to global energy conversations,” she said.
Wilkinson expressed confidence that Nigeria would play a significant leadership role at the World Energy Congress scheduled for Riyadh in April 2027 and beyond.
The statement also quoted the Chairman of WEC Nigeria, Isa, as describing the country’s participation as an opportunity to deepen national and African leadership within the global energy community through practical solutions tailored to regional development priorities.
He said the platform would promote collaboration across sectors and attract sustainable investments into Nigeria’s energy sector.
The Chief Executive Officer of WEC Nigeria, Wunti, was quoted in the statement as saying that the council would connect leadership, evidence and investment to build a secure, affordable and sustainable energy system.
“This system will be capable of driving economic growth and shared prosperity.”
According to him, the platform will also connect Nigerian institutions and businesses with international knowledge, technology, partnerships and investment opportunities through the World Energy Council’s global network.
Recall that WEC, founded in 1923, is the world’s oldest independent and impartial community of energy leaders and practitioners, advancing informed, collaborative and practical action across the global energy system.