Engr Bisoye Coker-Odusote,
DG/CEO, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)
Engr Bisoye Coker-Odusote is the Director General/CEO, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the commission established under the Federal government to establish, own, operate, maintain and manage the National Identity Database in Nigeria, register persons, assign a Unique National Identification Number (NIN) and issue General Multi-Purpose Cards (GMPC) to those who are citizens of Nigeria as well as others legally residing within the country. She was appointed by president Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August 2023 after which Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote underscored her commitment to lead the management team to overcome imminent challenges and deliver on the mandate of the Commission in providing a robust and universally recognized national identification system for Nigeria.
Recognizing the paramount importance of data security in the digital age, Engr Bisoye after assuming office as the CEO, NIMC, she had taken steps to enhance data security by introducing robust measures to fortify the protection of citizens’ sensitive information. This included, but not limited to the adoption of cutting-edge encryption technologies and the establishment of a dedicated cybersecurity team. Her interest in improving service delivery at NIMC cannot be overemphasized. She has concluded plans to ensure regular training and retraining for staff of the Commission, emphasizing customer-centric approaches, to ensure a more positive experience for citizens seeking identity services.
On her vision about corporate partnerships with governments and non-government agencies, Engr Coker-Odusote, leveraging on her extensive network and expertise, had forged strategic partnerships with governmental agencies, private organizations, and international bodies. These collaborations aimed to enhance the NIMC’s capacity, foster innovation, and promote information sharing for the betterment of identity management.
In addressing one of the key problems that had lubricated insecurity in the country, poor identification system in the country, Engr Bisoye spearheaded the collaboration between the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in enhancing processes related to the National Identification Number (NIN)-SIM linkage. As a growing concern amongst Nigerians, the NIN-SIM linkage exercise had become imperative, reflecting the critical importance of aligning SIM registrations with individuals’ unique national identification numbers. Recognising the significance of this initiative in enhancing security and improving service delivery, both NIMC and NCC are committed to improving processes and enhancing efficiency.
Under the collaboration, NIMC and NCC were to work closely to explore synergies and leverage each other’s expertise and resources in the following key areas:
1. Streamlining the NIN-SIM Linkage Process: NIMC and NCC will collaborate to ensure a seamless experience for Nigerian telecommunication subscribers. This includes exploring innovative approaches to facilitate the swift verification and authentication of NINs during SIM registration and activation processes.
2. Capacity Building and Public Awareness: Both agencies will collaborate on initiatives aimed at enhancing public awareness and understanding of the NIN-SIM linkage requirements. This includes educational campaigns, training sessions for stakeholders, and the dissemination of accurate information to the public to encourage compliance with the linkage directives.
3. Data Verification and Validation: NIMC will continue to extend its support to NCC by providing assistance in verifying National Identification Numbers (NINs) associated with SIM registrations. Leveraging NIMC’s robust database and authentication infrastructure, telecommunication operators will validate submitted NINs while ensuring the accuracy and integrity of subscriber data.
4. Policy Harmonisation and Regulatory Framework: NIMC and NCC will collaborate on aligning policies and regulatory frameworks to facilitate the seamless integration of NIN-SIM linkage processes within the telecommunications ecosystem. This includes harmonising data protection and privacy regulations to safeguard the confidentiality and security of subscriber information.
Both NIMC and NCC were committed to fostering a collaborative and transparent partnership that prioritises the interests of Nigerian citizens and promotes national development. By pooling our resources and expertise, we aim to overcome the challenges associated with the NIN-SIM linkage exercise and ensure its continued successful implementation. Engr Bisoye was appointed to be a member of the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Project Ecosystem Steering Committee inaugurated by president Bola Ahmed Tinubu to establish a secure and verifiable digital identity for every Nigerian, thereby enhancing service delivery, governance, and creating opportunities for growth in the digital economy.
The NIMC DG/CEO, 40 year old Engr. Abisoye Odusote- Coker had approved the distribution of additional enrolment systems to all the states as part of steps to ease NIN enrolment challenges and increase operational capacity. The provision of additional enrolment devices underscored the commitment of the DG/CEO to streamline operations and enhance overall effectiveness. The systems had since been installed and in use across all the states and had not only resulted in the reduction of time spent by applicants but has also increased the number of applicants attended to daily but greatly enhanced efficiency and effectiveness of the Commission nationwide. Engr Abisoye Coker-Odusote has also sent out monitoring and evaluation teams across various centres nationwide to ensure a smooth running of enrolment and modification exercises. The team was to also ensure strict compliance with her zero tolerance stance against all forms of extortion and unethical practices.
In the past one year, her strategic vision, commitment to efficiency, and emphasis on technological innovation positions NIMC for a future where identity management is not only secure but also seamlessly integrated into the daily lives of citizens.