Thursday 31 January 2013

Frequently Asked Questions about NIMC & the National Identity Management Systems & NIN


Frequently Asked Questions about NIMC & the National Identity Management Systems

Who is the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)?
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is the Federal Government Agency established by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, to create, own, operate, maintain and manage the National Identity Database, register citizens and legal residents, assign unique National Identification Number (NIN) and issue Smart Identity Cards to those registered individuals, as well as to harmonize and integrate existing identification databases in Nigeria.

What Mandate Does NIMC Have?

The NIMC broad mandate generally can be categorized into three (3) major tracks:
1. Establish the National Identity Management Commission as the primary legal, regulatory and institutional mechanism for implementing Government’s reform initiative as contained in the National Policy and NIMC Act, generally and in particular Sections 1, 2, 5, 6 and 14 respectively;
2. Wind-up and take over the assets and liabilities of the former Department of National Civic Registration (DNCR) which no longer exists including the personnel in both the State and Local Government Offices nationwide
3. Establish, operate and manage the National Identity Management System (NIMS) including to:
• Create and operate a National Identity Database;
• Issue Unique National Identification Numbers to qualified citizens and legal residents;
• Issue a Smart ID Card to every registered person;
• Provide a secure means to access the National Identity Database so that an individual can irrefutably assert his/her identity (Person Identification Verification Services (PIVS) Infrastructure);
• Harmonize and integrate Identity Databases in Government Agencies to achieve resource optimization; and
• Collaborate with private and or public sector institutions to deliver on the National Identity Management System (NIMS).

What is National Identity Management System (NIMS)


The NIMS comprises a National Identity Database (also known as a Central Identity Repository or Register, CIDR), assignment of a unique National Identification Number (NIN), issuance of a chip-based secure identity card, provision of a secure network of access to the National Identity Database and a means to irrefutably prove or assert the identity of an individual as well as the harmonization of existing identity databases in government agencies. The most important thing about the NIMS is that it will provide a Universal Identification Infrastructure for the entire country. This will help bring real and recognizable benefits to the Government, each of us - individually and collectively, and also for legal residents in Nigeria.

How is the NIMS being Implemented:

The Implementation is divided into two broad components;
• Front-end Services: This focuses on provision and management of Enrolment and Enrolment centres, deployment and management of Verification services.
• Back-end Services: This focuses on the provision and management of connectivity from enrolment centres to the National Identity Database (NID), issuance and management of the National Identification Number (NIN) and National Identity Card, management of the National Identity Database and its components and the management of the Disaster recovery sites.

What Level of Awareness, Publicity and Communication Plans are in Place?

The NIMC is committed to an effective and proper communication of the National Identity Management System to every citizen and legal resident to meet their specific needs in more than four (4) different major Nigerian languages. In particular, the NIMC has developed an Awareness and Communication Plan that will amongst other things:
1. Popularize the perception that the unique National Identification Number (NIN) is the most important universal identification infrastructure to be delivered by NIMC;
2. Explain how the NIN will be used to confirm and or assert individual identity in various circumstances and situations and build citizen acceptance and buy-in; and
3. Popularize the benefits of the NIMS and the use of NIN in Nigeria.
To enable the achievement of the above strategies, a combination of mass awareness campaign, enrolment process awareness campaign, pre-enrolment awareness campaign, education campaign, enrolment awareness campaign and authentication stage campaign will be adopted for all the communication stages.

How is the Project Being Funded?

The project is being funded through Public-Private Partnership arrangement. The private sector is investing in the establishment of enrolment centers and capturing of the data countrywide. The private sector will also invest in the verification services infrastructure and recoup its investment through revenue from verification services

In what ways is this project different from the others, especially the last ID card project?

The last ID card project was a turnkey project, a contract awarded by Ministry of Interior. The deliverable was a closed system managed by the foreign contractors and focused on Identity (ID) Card Issuance. The data was not made available for verification except through special request from law enforcement agencies.
The enrolment was one off. It did not provide for continuous registration and did not provide the capability for updates in the event of marriage, name and address changes etc. It depended on government’s periodic action and investment for sustainability.
The existing NIMS project is a PPP between NIMC and two (2) FEPs. Private sector is investing its own money. The project is managed by NIMC and Nigerians. The delivered system is an open system providing a National Database of Nigerian citizens and legal residents, which is available via the verification service to individuals, businesses, organizations and the government to establish and confirm a person’s identity both in online and offline modes.
NIMS issues all eligible persons a unique National Identification Number (NIN) and a Smart card that contains some of the personal information in the chip. NIMS provides permanent enrolment centers thus ensuring continuity, enabling individuals to register as they turn 16 year old, pick up their NIN or Card and update their records whenever necessary.
What is the guarantee that this project will also not be abandoned?

It’s a Private Public Partnership (PPP) programme based on a sustainable investment and revenue model. A concession has been granted to the FEPs for ten years. The Private sector is managing the Enrolment of residents and the provision of verification services. The private sector is investing its money and therefore has a vested interest in ensuring that the project works in the most sustainable manner to ensure that it recoups its investment over a period of ten (10) years

About the NIN & the National Identity Card

What is the National Identification Number (NIN)?

The National Identification Number (NIN) is a non-intelligent set of numeric assigned to an individual upon successful enrollment. The NIN once issued to a person cannot be used again, (that is, it cannot be issued to another person even if the previous person is dead). It is the NIN that helps to tie all records about a person in the database and used to check the identity verified.

How do i get enrolled?

Every citizen from the age of 16 years and above and legal residents will be able to enroll for the NIN. The process will be the same whether you choose the self-service or you require an assisted service. (Arrangements are currently being made to ensure that all persons from birth can be registered and enrollment of biometrics from the age of five (5) can be achieved). You will be required to provide your demographic data, fingerprints, photograph and digital signature for enrollment into the National Identity Database by presenting yourself at your convenience at a designated location for the enrollment exercise


Where are the Centers for registration?

There are Registration Centers in all the 36 NIMC State offices in the capital of each State and FCT and with time, there will also be centers in all the 774 Local Government offices nationwide. There are also plans to establish additional registration centers and mobile registration centers in strategic locations for easy access to enrolment

Why do i have to record my fingerprints and all that?

You have to record your demographic and biometric data because under the National Identification Number (NIN) System, the number assigned to you is used to lock together your basic identifying details (electronically) that are very hard or impossible to forge, steal, forget or lose with a combination of your unique personal features – electronic records of your face and fingerprints. Also, once we record your fingerprints, facial picture you may not need to do so again until another 5 (five) years after. In future, your iris scan will be required when the NIMS is fully rolled-out. Your biometric data are unique to you, it is the bedrock of the unique identification system

What is the eligible year for registering and obtaining the National ID Card?

he NIMC Act in Section 18 provides for every eligible person who, at the commencement of the NIMC Act must have attained the age of 16 years to obtain a NIN and an ID Card. Children less than 16 years of age will be issued a NIN only and an interim ID card. The interim card is a card held by persons under 16 as proof of registration in NIMS and will not have biometric data nor payment solution on it. As soon as the process for issuing cards to persons under age 16 is activated, this interim ID Card will be discontinued.

What are the Requirements for Registering and obtaining a National ID Card?

The NIMC Act in Section 16 sets out the criteria for eligible persons as follows:
1. Any person who is a citizen of Nigeria;
2. Any person, whether or not is a citizen of Nigeria, who is lawfully and permanently resident in Nigeria; and
3. Any non-citizen of Nigeria who is lawfully resident in Nigeria for a period of two years or more.
Therefore, every eligible person who, at the commencement of the NIMC Act must have attained the age of 16 years qualifies.
Can an ID Card or NIN be blocked or revoked?

Yes. If a NIN is falsely obtained and if the ID card is lost or has an error, is misused or discovered to have been improperly issued etc. The ID card remains the property of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Do I need a Physical Card for Identification?

You can assert your identity with or without a physical card. However, a Smart Identity Card will be issued after the NIN has been generated. Depending on the level of identity assurance required for a particular transaction, an individual’s identity will either be checked visually by comparing the picture on the identity card with the facials or through entry of the NIN or biometric into the web-based facility such that the prior stored information on the individual can be used to confirm his/her identity. Match on card can also be used; this involves comparing live fingerprint with fingerprint on the card, by the use of a Card Access Device.

Will NIN Change with a Re-issue of an ID Card?

No. The NIN is unique to an individual and does not change once assigned; it remains with the individual for life. If forgotten, the individual will be sent the same NIN.

Why is the ID Card Incorporating Payment solution as one of its features?

Amongst other reasons, this is primarily to help promote financial inclusion especially for the unbanked

Will the ID Card Allow ATM and POS Transactions?

Yes, it will because the payment solution can be activated

Why is cost attached to the Identity Card? What is the Cost of obtaining an ID Card?

The Identity Card is FREE. However there is a cost for any card replacement e.g. in the event of a loss, update, damage, expiration etc.

Why is the ID card restricted to 16 years of Age?

This is the age that would be most frequently engaged in activities that require identity card. They would be responsible for the card and derive benefits from the card. However the plan is to issue NIN from birth. Identity cards can also be issued to those aged under 16 years but the process will commence at a later phase.

What Security/encryption technology has been put in place to secure and safeguard data on the ID Card?

All the features on the ID Card have been designed with reliable and proven technology, highly complex pattern that can hardly be created without the proper equipment, high resolution, in various colors, special links and security pigments and in conformity with relevant Identity management standards. Appropriate encryption technology has also been used to ensure the safety of data.

What process is in place for distribution and issuance of ID Card?

The Front- End Partners (FEPs) are responsible for personalization and issuance of the ID card. However, to ensure rapid and efficient service delivery, third party postal services as necessary, would be utilized. It is expected that most cards will be collected at the enrolment center by the owner because of challenges due to lack of proper addresses

Will the process of distribution and issuance be decentralized?

Yes, there will be two or three, but stringent measures will be put in place to ensure that ID cards are not collected by the wrong persons.

Who is available to answer questions, complaints, enquires regarding the ID Card?
Information regarding the ID card, NIN and NIMS as a whole will always be available and updated on the NIMC website: http://www.nimc.gov.ng/. Questions, complaints or enquiries could also be directed to the NIMC Customer Care Service through e-mail: customercare@nimc.gov.ng or telephone call via the contact telephone numbers available on the NIMC website.. NIMC also plans to provide Contact centers across the country, where a person can visit or call to lodge complaints or make enquiries etc.


What Mechanism/Control has been put in place to ensure seamless and secure Data Integration among and with other Government Agencies?

Provision of fiber connection to identified Federal government agencies and the inclusion of National Identification Number in other databases. Secondly, through the implementation of a harmonization and integration program which include the provision of common standards for demographic and biometric data capture, verification procedures and platforms.

Who will be responsible for Data Capture for the ID card? Will the Banks or other users of the NIN invest in biometric data capture?

The front- End Partners (FEPs) are responsible for data capture during enrolment. There is currently no arrangement for the banks to act as data capture agents but there is a possibility in the future.


Is there any Service Level Agreement between NIMC and Deposit Money Banks (DMBs)?

No. There is no contract between NIMC and (DMBs) therefore, there is no SLA. However, NIMC will provide the Terms of Operation for anyone using its services. Also because the identity verification and authentication services of the NIMC will be used for KYC and in the banking sector SLAs will be provided.


Who are the Front-End Partners (FEPs)?

The FEPs are special purpose vehicles comprising a consortia of companies engaged by the Commission as concessionaires, on a public-private partnership basis to manage the front-end operations of the NIMS as it relates to enrolment/registration of persons and the production and personalization of the ID card and the deployment of card Acceptance Devices (CADs).
There are two (2) FEPs, namely: CHAMS Consortium Limited and OneSecureCard Limited.
What Service Level Agreement Exist Between NIMC and FEPs?

The NIMC signed a Concession Agreement with the consortium of firms known as the Front-End Partners (FEPs) on a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangement to populate the National Identity Database and assist in establishing and managing the Front-End Operation Components of the NIMS infrastructure which also includes amongst other things the following:
1. Design, build, customize, construct, supply and install equipment, operate and maintain mobile, temporary and permanent registration centre for the purposes of rendering data capture services;
2. Establish Card production and or card personalization services using Smart Identity Cards;
3. Acquire data from Nigeria citizens and persons legally resident in Nigeria as provided for in the NIMC Act; and
4. Deploy Card Acceptance Devices (CADs) across the country for purposes of ID verification and authentication.
What Data Connectivity Controls are in place between the Front-End Partners (FEPs) and the NIMC Backend?

The NIMC is providing a secure Virtual Private Network (VPN) for the Front-End Partners and all its stakeholder agencies with authentication, auditing and account. There is provision for the use of encryption technology to ensure safety of data.

How are Issues of Data Privacy and Access Ensured?

NIMC undertook a Privacy Impact Assessment study which informed the formulation of the privacy policy. This policy is available on the NIMC website. It also has a policy on the regulation and guidelines for accessing the NIMS.
The NIMC Act sets out a number of government security and financial crime control agencies to whom NIMC is obliged to provide personal information subject to a court order. They include, the State Security Service, Economic and Financial Crime Commission, Nigeria Police Force, etc

What Quality Assurance Plan is in place to guarantee successful project delivery?

NIMC has adopted global best practice in project management, including the adoption of quality assurance of all deliverables and implementation of a change management system. NIMC has recently engaged the KPMG as project managers to sustain its policy on quality assurance.

What Capacity Building Program and Change Management Plan are in Place for NIMC personnel, FEPs, End-Users and the Public at large?


There is a communication strategy plan for public education and awareness. The NIMC and FEPs are currently involved in the development of various awareness and sensitization programmes based on the strategy document. These will soon be implemented via training courses, workshops etc.
NIMC is also committed to effective capacity building through in-house and external training courses.

Wednesday 30 January 2013

HOW TO ENROLL FOR THE NATIONAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER


The National Identification Number (NIN) is a set of numbers assigned to an individual upon successful enrolment. Enrolment consists of the recording of an individual’s demographic data and capture of the ten (10) fingerprints, head-to-shoulder facial picture and digital signature, which are all used to cross-check existing data in the National Identity Database to confirm that there is no previous entry of the same data. Once this (de-duplication) process is completed the data is then stored with a unique NIN that was assigned to it.
Once this (de-duplication) process is completed the data is then stored with a unique NIN that was assigned to it. It is the NIN that helps to tie all records about a person in the database and is used to check the identity verified

HOW TO ENROLL FOR THE NATIONAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER


Every citizen from the age of 16 years and above and legal residents are eligible to enroll for the NIN. (Arrangements are currently being made to ensure that all persons from birth can be registered and enrollment of biometrics from the age of five (5) can be achieved).The process is the same whether you choose the self-service or you require an assisted service.
There are different ways you can enroll for the NIN:
Self Service Enrollment
Stage 1
Applicant visits NIMC website: http://www.nimc.gov.ng/ to access the Enrollment Form or walks into an enrollment centre and use the self-service workstation.
Fills the Enrollment Form online and prints a summary sheet with a 2D Barcode and Registration ID number.
At the enrollment centre, the enrollment officer scans barcode to pull up the applicant data or uses the Registration ID Number to pull up the information from the database.
Alternatively,
Applicant walks into an enrollment centre and picks up an enrollment form.
Fills the enrollment form, providing the required demographic information.
Applicant approaches the enrollment officer who collects the completed form and inputs the details into the enrollment portal.
Stage 2: Applicant verifies and confirms the enrollment data on the system.
Stage 3: Applicant has his photograph, finger print captured.
Stage 4: Applicant has his supporting documents scanned.
Stage 5: Enrollment is acknowledged and a slip is generated and given indicating completion of enrollment.
Stage 6: Applicant leaves the enrollment centre.
b) Assisted-Service
Stage 1: Applicant walks into enrollment centre and request for enrollment assistance.
Stage 2: A support officer assists applicant in picking and filling the enrollment form.
Stage 3. Applicant approaches an enrollment officer who collects the completed form and inputs the details into the enrollment portal.
Stage 4: Applicant verifies and confirms the enrollment data on the system.
Stage 5: Applicant has his photograph, finger print captured.
Stage 6: Applicant has his supporting documents scanned.
Stage 7: Enrollment is acknowledged and a slip is generated and given indicating completion of enrollment.
Stage 8: Applicant leaves the enrollment centre.
c) Mobile-Service
Stage 1: Applicant goes to a mobile enrollment station.
Stage 2: Request an enrollment form and fill it or request a support officer to provide assistance.
Stage 3. Applicant approaches an enrollment officer who collects the completed form and inputs the details into the enrollment portal.
Stage 4: Applicant verifies and confirms the enrollment data on the system.
Stage 5: Applicant has his photograph, finger print captured.
Stage 6: Applicant has his supporting documents scanned.
Stage 7: Enrollment is acknowledged and a slip is generated and given indicating completion of enrollment.
Stage 8: Applicant leaves the enrollment centre.


for more info, kindly click on this link

http://ninnimc.blogspot.com/2013/01/how-to-enrol-for-nin.html

FOLLOW US ON Twitter: @NIN_NIMC.

Monday 28 January 2013

How to Enrol for the NIN


Every citizen from the age of 16 years and above and legal residents are eligible to enroll for the NIN. (Arrangements are currently being made to ensure that all persons from birth can be registered and enrollment of biometrics from the age of five (5) can be achieved).The process is the same whether you choose the self-service or you require an assisted service.
There are different ways you can enroll for the NIN:
Self Service Enrollment
Stage 1
  • Applicant visits NIMC website: http://www.nimc.gov.ng to access the Enrollment Form or walks into an enrollment centre and use the self-service workstation.
  • Fills the Enrollment Form online and prints a summary sheet with a 2D Barcode and Registration ID number.
  • At the enrollment centre, the enrollment officer scans barcode to pull up the applicant data or uses the Registration ID Number to pull up the information from the database.
Alternatively,
  • Applicant walks into an enrollment centre and picks up an enrollment form.
  • Fills the enrollment form, providing the required demographic information.
  • Applicant approaches the enrollment officer who collects the completed form and inputs the details into the enrollment portal.
Stage 2:       Applicant verifies and confirms the enrollment data on the system.
Stage 3:       Applicant has his photograph, finger print captured.
Stage 4:       Applicant has his supporting documents scanned.
Stage 5:       Enrollment is acknowledged and a slip is generated and given indicating completion of enrollment.
Stage 6:       Applicant leaves the enrollment centre.
b)         Assisted-Service
Stage 1:       Applicant walks into enrollment centre and request for enrollment assistance.
Stage 2:       A support officer assists applicant in picking and filling the enrollment form.
Stage 3.       Applicant approaches an enrollment officer who collects the completed form and inputs the details into the enrollment portal.
Stage 4:       Applicant verifies and confirms the enrollment data on the system.
Stage 5:       Applicant has his photograph, finger print captured.
Stage 6:       Applicant has his supporting documents scanned.
Stage 7:       Enrollment is acknowledged and a slip is generated and given indicating completion of enrollment.
Stage 8:       Applicant leaves the enrollment centre.
c)         Mobile-Service
Stage 1:       Applicant goes to a mobile enrollment station.
Stage 2:       Request an enrollment form and fill it or request a support officer to provide assistance.
Stage 3.       Applicant approaches an enrollment officer who collects the completed form and inputs the details into the enrollment portal.
Stage 4:       Applicant verifies and confirms the enrollment data on the system.
Stage 5:       Applicant has his photograph, finger print captured.
Stage 6:       Applicant has his supporting documents scanned.
Stage 7:       Enrollment is acknowledged and a slip is generated and given indicating completion of enrollment.
Stage 8:       Applicant leaves the enrollment centre.

Customs officers at the NIMC town hall meeting in Minna. # NIN #


The National Identification Number (NIN) is a set of numbers assigned to an individual upon successful enrollment. Enrollment consists of the recording of an individual’s demographic data and capture of the ten (10) fingerprints, head-to-shoulder facial picture and digital signature, which are all used to cross-check existing data in the National Identity Database to confirm that there is no previous entry of the same data. Once this (de-duplication) process is completed the data is then stored with a unique NIN that was assigned to it.
Once this (de-duplication) process is completed the data is then stored with a unique NIN that was assigned to it. It is the NIN that helps to tie all records about a person in the database and is used to check the identity verified.



Monday 21 January 2013

NIN is your identity, DG NIMC tells Nigerians


THE Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Barrister Chris Onyemenam has again emphasised the importance of the National Identification Number (NIN), describing it as the true and only Identity every Nigerian can be sure of.
He disclosed this during the stakeholder’s event organised by the NIMC recently.
He noted that the NIN is a non-intelligent set of eleven (11) numbers assigned to an individual upon successful enrolment and consists of the recording of an individual’s demographic data and capturing of the (10) fingerprints, head-to-shoulder facial picture and digital signature, which are all used in cross checking existing data in the National Identity Database to confirm that there is no previous entry of the same data. He debunk insinuations about  possible duplication, saying that once the process is completed the data is then stored with the unique NIN that was assigned to it.
He also said that once the NIN is issued to a person, it cannot be used again, that is, it cannot be issued to another person even if the previous person is dead), stressing that the NIN helps to tie all records about a person in the database and enables individuals to assert their Identities.
Barrister Onyemenam, maintained that the present enrolment and the issuance of the NIN and subsequently, smart card which are stored in a database is different from the previous one that were mainly focused on the issuance of Identity Cards that are not verifiable.
He further explained that the current National Identity Management System (NIMS) will protect Nigerian citizens from identity theft and fraud, making life easier by providing easier and convenient means of identification anywhere in Nigeria and beyond and makes it harder for criminals to use false or multiple/ duplicate/ ghost identities.
‘‘It will reassure us all that civil/public servants are who they say they are, no ghost workers phenomenon again, and most importantly it will help in harmonizing and integrating Identity databases in all government agencies and also in the private sector and optimise use of government resources,’’ he assured.
The Director-General pointed out that the NIMS project is socially, economically and financially viable for Nigeria at this transformation time, and that it combines several advantages of the Lessons of other Countries as well as the Nigeria past experiences of botched attempts at National registration and Identification schemes.
During the event, the Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam represented by the Deputy Governor, Stephen Lawani said that the NIMS project will surely contribute to the development of the country, socially, economically, and in transforming the Citizenry. He congratulated the Director-General for the project and pledged that the State will Co-operate and support the Commission in implementation of the NIMS project in Benue State in particular and Nigeria in general.

How to enroll for NIN.

There are different ways you can enroll for the NIN:
1.  Self Service Enrollment
Stage 1:
§  Applicant visits NIMC website: http://www.nimc.gov.ng  to access the Enrollment Form or walks into an enrollment centre and use the self-service workstation.
§  Fills the Enrollment Form online and prints a summary sheet with a 2D Barcode and Registration ID number.
§  At the enrollment centre, the enrollment officer scans barcode to pull up the applicant data or uses the Registration ID Number to pull up the information from the database.
Alternatively,
§  Applicant walks into an enrollment centre and picks up an enrollment form.
§  Fills the enrollment form, providing the required demographic information.
§  Applicant approaches the enrollment officer who collects the completed form and inputs the details into the enrollment portal.
Stage 2: Applicant verifies and confirms the enrollment data on the system.
Stage 3: Applicant has his photograph, finger print captured.
Stage 4: Applicant has his supporting documents scanned.
Stage 5: Enrollment is acknowledged and a slip is generated and given indicating completion of enrollment.
Stage 6: Applicant leaves the enrollment centre.
2.  Assisted-Service
Stage 1: Applicant walks into enrollment centre and request for enrollment assistance.
Stage 2: A support officer assists applicant in picking and filling the enrollment form.
Stage 3. Applicant approaches an enrollment officer who collects the completed form and inputs the details into the enrollment portal.
Stage 4: Applicant verifies and confirms the enrollment data on the system.
Stage 5: Applicant has his photograph, finger print captured.
Stage 6: Applicant has his supporting documents scanned.
Stage 7: Enrollment is acknowledged and a slip is generated and given indicating completion of enrollment.
Stage 8: Applicant leaves the enrollment centre.
3.  Mobile-Service
Stage 1: Applicant goes to a mobile enrollment station.
Stage 2: Request an enrollment form and fill it or request a support officer to provide assistance.
Stage 3. Applicant approaches an enrollment officer who collects the completed form and inputs the details into the enrollment portal.
Stage 4: Applicant verifies and confirms the enrollment data on the system.
Stage 5: Applicant has his photograph, finger print captured.
Stage 6: Applicant has his supporting documents scanned.
Stage 7: Enrollment is acknowledged and a slip is generated and given indicating completion of enrollment.
Stage 8: Applicant leaves the enrollment centre.
After the completion of the enrollment process, you will be informed of the date and time for collection of the National Identification Number (NIN). NIN can only be collected by an individual after biometric verification where you previously enrolled and not by proxy.
There are Registration Centers in all the 36 NIMC State offices in the capital of each State and FCT, and with time there will also be centers in all the 774 Local Government offices nationwide. There are also plans to establish additional registration centers and mobile registration centers in strategic locations for easy access to enrollment.

Friday 18 January 2013

NIMC pledges to deliver irrefutable, secure national ID database


The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has assured Nigerians of the Commission’s commitment to deliver reliable, irrefutable and secured National identity of Nigerians and Legal residents.
Director-General/CEO of NIMC, Mr Chris Onyemenam, stated this in Enugu, while presenting a paper entitled “National Identity Management System (NIMS): How the System will Work and How it will Benefit You and the Government” during an interactive session with stakeholders.
Onyemenam highlighted some key issues that led to the current insecurity challenges facing Nigeria today. He stated that an average Nigerian parades multiple and unreliable identities.
He further stated that this has led to over 75 percent fake and counterfeits identities in Nigeria. Barr Onyemenam also added that the problem has further been compounded by excessive focus on ID card issuance without ID Authentication and Verification Services.
He noted that over 100 million Nigerians have no official identities, adding: “Seventy five per cent of identity documents are fake and self issued, no timely means of authenticating the documents, less than 20 percent of the Nigeria population have access to financial services and that actual total bank cards were less than 10 percent of the population’’
Onyemenam also stated that the solution to all this is a paradigm shift from ID card issuance to Identity Management System that NIMC was set-up to establish.
He further explained that the NIMS project is in five components: the establishment of reliable, secured and accurate National Database,  assigning of National Identification Number (NIN), issuance of Multi-purpose cards (GMPC), provision of infrastructure that will be used for verification and confirmation of identity, and harmonisation of all existing government Agencies’ databases in Nigeria.
Barrister Onyemenam also disclosed that LIVE enrolment has since started February, 2012, saying that it will run in three phases; phase one, which has since commenced involves enrolment at state level, phase two, is to commence as extension of enrolment at the Local Government Levels while phase three is to come under Mobile enrolment largely aimed at capturing Nigerians living in remote areas.

NIN Is Your Identity, DG NIMC Tells Nigerians


NIN Is Your Identity, DG NIMC Tells Nigerians



THE Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Barrister Chris Onyemenam has again emphasised the importance of the National Identification Number (NIN), describing it as the true and only Identity every Nigerian can be sure of.
He disclosed this during the stakeholder’s event organised by the NIMC in Makurdi Benue State recently.
He noted that the NIN is a non-intelligent set of eleven (11) numbers assigned to an individual upon successful enrolment and consists of the recording of an individual’s demographic data and capturing of the (10) fingerprints, head-to-shoulder facial picture and digital signature, which are all used in cross checking existing data in the National Identity Database to confirm that there is no previous entry of the same data. He debunk insinuations about possible duplication, saying that once the process is completed the data is then stored with the unique NIN that was assigned to it.
He also said that once the NIN is issued to a person, it cannot be used again, that is, it cannot be issued to another person even if the previous person is dead), stressing that the NIN helps to tie all records about a person in the database and enables individuals to assert their Identities.
Barrister Onyemenam, maintained that the present enrolment and the issuance of the NIN and subsequently, smart card which are stored in a database is different from the previous one that were mainly focused on the issuance of Identity Cards that are not verifiable.
He further explained that the current National Identity Management System (NIMS) will protect Nigerian citizens from identity theft and fraud, making life easier by providing easier and convenient means of identification anywhere in Nigeria and beyond and makes it harder for criminals to use false or multiple/ duplicate/ ghost identities.
‘‘It will reassure us all that civil/public servants are who they say they are, no ghost workers phenomenon again, and most importantly it will help in harmonizing and integrating Identity databases in all government agencies and also in the private sector and optimise use of government resources,’’ he assured.
The Director-General pointed out that the NIMS project is socially, economically and financially viable for Nigeria at this transformation time, and that it combines several advantages of the Lessons of other Countries as well as the Nigeria past experiences of botched attempts at National registration and Identification schemes.
Declaring the forum open, the Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam represented by the Deputy Governor, Stephen Lawani said that the NIMS project will surely contribute to the development of the country, socially, economically, and in transforming the Citizenry. He congratulated the Director-General for the project and pledged that the State will Co-operate and support the Commission in implementation of the NIMS project in Benue State in particular and Nigeria in general