Towards boosting digital security and enhance National Identification Number (NIN) system in Nigeria, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) on Thursday sought for partnership with the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE).
The NIMC Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, made the call in Abuja during a "Two Day Roundtable with Online Publishers"
It was themed "Building Trust in Digital Identity: Strengthening Media Partnerships for a Secure and Inclusive Ecosystem"
The workshop is aimed at strengthen communication, foster trust, and improve the accuracy of information about Nigeria’s digital identity management efforts.
Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, who was represented by the Director of the Special Project Office of NIMC, Dr. Alvan Ikoku, urged the media to play a more active role towards informing Nigerians on their rights to digital identity.
According to her, collaboration between NIMC and the media will enhance transparency and counter misinformation around the National Identity Management System.
As at July 2025, she said that over 122 million Nigerians have been registered in the national identity database.
She also disclosed that NIMC is working with government bodies, private sector stakeholders, and international organizations to enhance identity verification and service access.
New tools like the NINAuth mobile app, a self-service enrollment and update platform have been launched to streamline registration and reduce wait times.
Declaring digital identity as a gateway to financial inclusion, education, enterprise, and social services, the Director General charged the media to help spread clear, accurate, and accessible information.
Increasing digital literacy and public trust in the system, she noted, is very important to building an inclusive, reliable national identity framework.
She said “As we consolidate the significant progress made so far, we must also acknowledge the critical gaps that persist, particularly in public awareness, digital literacy, and countering misinformation that threatens to undermine trust in our national identity system.
"While NIMC continues to strengthen infrastructure, expand enrollment channels, and enhance data protection, we recognise that these efforts can only reach their full potential if Nigerians truly understand and embrace the importance of enrolling and keeping their identity records updated.
"It is here that your role as editors and shapers of public discourse becomes indispensable in reporting milestones, and in explaining why identity matters for everyday life, and in dispelling doubts and rumours before they take root.
"Therefore, I call on you, our esteemed partners in the media, to actively help us bridge these gaps. Support us in taking accurate, clear, and citizen-focused information to every corner of the country; spotlight success stories and the real-life impact of digital identity; and work with us to design special campaigns, fact-check initiatives, and educational content that simplify complex processes for the average Nigerian.
"By doing so, you will not only amplify the voice of NIMC but become co-builders of a robust, trusted, and inclusive identity system that leaves no one behind. Together, we can ensure that every Nigerian is empowered to say, confidently and securely: “I am recognised, I am included, I am identified.” she stated
Some of the directors of NIMC speaking at the workshop also harped on the importance of the media’s critical role in bridging knowledge gaps.
According to them, no Nigerian should be left behind in the nation’s digital transformation.
While the workshop provided opportunity for NIMC to clarify its programmes during the interactive session, it also stressed on the editors as critical digital gatekeepers who shape public perception.
The workshop highlighted that feedback from the media stakeholders should inform policy adjustments and operational improvements in order to meet citizens’ needs.
NIMC assured its willingness to maintain ongoing communication channels with online publishers, conduct trainings, and launch public education campaigns to demystify the NIN process, highlight its benefits, and enhance digital trust and security nationwide.
Chairman of ACOE, Shola Akingboye, led members of the Association to the workshop.