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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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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

15 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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