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Ministry of Youth Development, NIMC Advance Digital Identity Agenda for Nigerian Youths Through Strategic Partnership

Published

3 months ago

July 15, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Ministry of Youth Development (FMYD) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic collaboration aimed at ensuring that every young Nigerian has access to a secure and trusted digital identity, thereby unlocking greater opportunities in the nation’s rapidly expanding digital economy.

The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, and her delegation to the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, in Abuja.

Welcoming the delegation, the Honourable Minister described the visit as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration in driving the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, particularly in the areas of digital inclusion, youth empowerment, innovation and national development.

Comrade Olawande congratulated the Director-General and the management of NIMC on the successful enactment of the NIMC Act, 2026, describing it as a landmark legislation that significantly strengthens Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem and aligns the country’s identity management framework with international best practices.

He noted that the new Act provides a solid legal and institutional framework for building a secure, inclusive and globally competitive digital identity system capable of supporting socio-economic development.

“The enactment of the NIMC Act, 2026, marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards a secure and inclusive digital economy. As the largest demographic of digital technology users, Nigerian youths stand to benefit immensely from a trusted digital identity that expands access to education, employment, entrepreneurship, financial services, healthcare and other government interventions,” the Minister stated.

The Minister observed that a trusted National Identification Number (NIN) has become indispensable for accessing government programmes and public services, stressing that it would enable more young Nigerians to benefit from education, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship support, healthcare, financial inclusion and other developmental initiatives.

He further commended the provisions of the Act that promote the inclusion of vulnerable groups, particularly youths in rural and underserved communities, noting that digital identity remains a critical tool for inclusive development and effective service delivery.

According to him, the “One Person, One Identity” principle will further strengthen transparency and accountability in government interventions by eliminating duplication, reducing fraud and ensuring that benefits reach their intended recipients.

The Minister identified key areas of collaboration between the Ministry and NIMC to include expanding National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment among young Nigerians, promoting digital identity awareness and literacy, facilitating nationwide youth registration, and integrating digital identity into youth-focused programmes and initiatives.

“The Federal Ministry of Youth Development remains committed to working closely with the National Identity Management Commission to increase NIN enrolment among young Nigerians, promote digital identity awareness and ensure that no young person is left behind in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey. Together, we will deepen youth inclusion and advance the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, represented by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Omolara Esan, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between both institutions in advancing youth development through digital innovation.

She described digital identity as a critical enabler of youth empowerment, innovation and socio-economic inclusion.

“Strategic partnerships such as this are essential to achieving inclusive youth development. The Ministry remains committed to collaborating with NIMC to ensure that digital identity becomes a powerful tool for empowerment, innovation and expanded access to opportunities for every young Nigerian, particularly those in rural and underserved communities,” she stated.

In her remarks, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, stated that the enactment of the NIMC Act, 2026, has repositioned the Commission as Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure institution.

She explained that the Commission is laying the foundation for a robust digital public infrastructure that will support Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the private sector and citizens by providing secure, reliable and interoperable digital identity services.

“The NIMC Act, 2026, has repositioned the Commission as Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure institution, providing the foundation for a secure and integrated digital ecosystem that will support government institutions, businesses and citizens. We are also establishing the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), which is fundamental to building digital trust and enabling secure digital transactions across the country,” she said.

The Director-General further disclosed that the Commission is establishing Nigeria’s Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), which will serve as the backbone for trusted digital authentication and secure electronic transactions nationwide.

She explained that the purpose of the visit was to deepen the existing partnership between NIMC and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development by identifying practical initiatives that would deliver measurable impact for young Nigerians.

“We are here to strengthen our collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and identify practical initiatives that will deliver measurable impact for Nigerian youths. Together, we can shape a stronger digital identity ecosystem that expands access to opportunities through a secure and credible identity system. NIMC manages one of Africa’s largest identity databases, and we remain committed to leveraging this platform to support Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda,” Engr. Coker-Odusote added.

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Musawa Seeks Broader Significance for June 12

Published

2 hours ago

October 3, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Esq., says June 12 must be remembered as a sacrifice that gave Nigerians democracy, beyond its status as a public holiday.

In a statement signed on Saturday by the Senior Assistant Media & Publicity to the Honourable Minister,Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Dr Nneka Ikem Anibeze Ph.D in Abuja.

Musawa stated this at the national premiere of “MKO”, a film on Chief Moshood Abiola, held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

She said 33 years after June 12, 1993, many young Nigerians know it only as a holiday, but the film turns it back into memory.

“For too many young Nigerians, June 12 is simply a public holiday. This film tells them that our democracy did not arrive by chance. It was fought for. It was defended. It was paid for. This documentary is in honour of the heroes of June 12, the men and women who gave their lives for the mandate of June 12, 1993 and for the democracy Nigeria enjoys today,” the Minister said.

Musawa hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Host, for his participation in the June 12 struggle and paying the price in exile, adding that Nigeria’s creative industry will keep telling the story of its democracy with courage.

“Through film and the creative economy, Nigeria will preserve its history. A nation that forgets its past loses its way to the future. Nigeria has a story and our story deserves to be told,” she said.

Earlier, the director of the investigative documentary, Ose Oyamendan, said the film was in honour and memory of heroes who fought for Nigeria’s democracy.

“There was Hope ’93 and now there is Renewed Hope. There was a man who sacrificed his life so we may have democracy and there is a man who almost lost his life fighting for democracy who is now helping build a lasting democracy.

“There was a great man called Bashorun MKO Abiola and there is now another great man called Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Democrats. Nationalists. Nation builders. Leaders of men and women. We must never forget our story. We must always honour and remember our heroes,” Oyamendan said.

Top government officials including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the wife of the President Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chief of Staff to the President Rt. Femi Gbajabiamila, state Governors, members of the National Assembly, Ministers and other distinguished dignitaries attended the premiere.

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