NIMC establishes registration centres nationwide

The National Identity Management Commission on Sunday said it had established registration centres in all the 36 state capitals and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

A statement by the Director-General, NIMC, Mr. Chris Onyemenam, said the agency would, among other things, encourage investment and improve the business environment in the country.

He said, 'The National Identity Smart Cards, which the agency manages, will enable businesses to know the identities of people they are dealing with. Efforts have reached an advanced stage towards expanding to the 774 local government areas. Additionally, mobile enrolment service vehicles have already been procured to serve people living in the rural areas.

'Consumer credit, for example, will become far more possible to run when firms can quickly and easily confirm their customers to be whom they claim to be. As the extension of consumer credit becomes a lot easier, consumer credit institutions themselves will in turn spring up and flourish. In summary, that is where I see the impact that this will have on the economy and Nigeria of tomorrow.'

According to Onyemenam, there will be a boost in investment 'because the business environment will improve significantly where there is secure proof of identity.'

He said enrolment activities, which started in Abuja on February 23, 2012, had been extended to every state capital.

He also said a pre-enrolment portal often helped to reduce time spent at the enrolment centres.

Onyemenam explained that the process involved the recording of an individual's demographic data, including capturing the fingerprints, head-to-shoulder facial picture and digital signature, adding, 'These are used to cross-check existing data in the National Identity Database.'

He said, 'In terms of structures and equipment, NIMC centres and operations meet international standards. Hardware and software, which the agency deploys as well as the processes it follows are completely in compliance with the International Standards Organisation's specifications and the International Civil Aviation Organisation's guidelines.

'Currently, the commission has engaged the services of a local IT firm to guide it towards achieving ISO 27001 certification, a move targeted at ensuring global recognition and acceptance of its IT infrastructure and services.'