E-Business
NIMC Commences SMS Alerts, Issuance of e-ID Card
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has again pleaded with Nigerians for more patience with the registration and issuance of the new e-ID Card, even as it commences SMS alerts informing registrants about the availability of the card.
On August 28, the Nigerian National Electronic Identity Card (e-ID Card) was unveiled and the card issuance process formally kicked off with the aim, to issue and to manage over 120 million e-ID Cards within the next five to ten years.
However, most Nigerians were kept in the dark on the processes for collection.
But, the Commission seeking public indulgence when Senator David Mark, senate president and Senator Ike Ekweremadu, his Deputy were issued their National e-ID Card at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, said, “We would like to inform the public that we have commenced SMS alerts to Nigerians and legal residents who have enrolled and have their National Identification Numbers (NIN).
“If you get an SMS from NIMC, please proceed to the card collection center mentioned in the SMS with your NIN slip for biometric verification and card collection. We will eventually issue cards to EVERYONE who has enrolled, it is a core deliverable for the Commission.
NIMC had also closed the NIN Enrolment Centres to nationwide for Systems Upgrade
The NIMC Enrolment Centres nationwide were temporarily suspended from Friday, December 12, 2014 to Thursday December 18th, 2014.
The Commissions said that the measure was to enable it carry out a planned system upgrade that will enhance service delivery.
Regular enrolment services have since resumed nationwide on Friday December 19th, 2014.
Barrister Chris Onyemenam, director general of the Comission had at different fora said that, the e-ID card, the third in a five-component NIMS infrastructure, remains what most Nigerians (want to) see as the index of success of the project.
Accordint to him, “Indeed, there are those who, for good reason, believe that NIMC represents another bogus effort by government at addressing a simple problem, claiming that there is nothing “reformatory” in the statutory mandate of the NIMC (Act 23 of 2007).
“That is not important. As one critic put it recently, it is not the number of enrolment centres or the level of automation of the registration process or the quantity of hardware and software assembled and or deployed that matters. It is not about the conducive enrolment environment or the fact that you can go and register at your convenience, within minutes and at a known location.
“No, these things do not matter at all, otherwise, there would not still be new biometric projects springing up each day! Even the private sector partners of NIMC are quick to criticise the NIMC effort to justify their promotion of new or similar and competing projects that are subsequently contracted to them. What a paradox!
“What matters, and I agree perfectly, is how many Nigerians have been or can be expeditiously enrolled under the NIMS; how many Nigerians hold or can have their e-ID card, and how soon or when, how many Nigerians can benefit from the “proof of identity” services, a component of the NIMS infrastructure. How safe, unique, accessible to other MDAs and the private sector is the National Identity Database and the multiple applications on the e-ID card.
“Indeed, how soon can the law enforcement agencies begin to use the NIMS to fight crime and insecurity? Can we sustain the NIMS? How will NIMS stop the proliferation of data capture activities and meet the identity authentication and verification needs of MDAs and the private sector? These are some of the indices of success that should matter,” the DG explained.
E-Business
NITDA, NIMC Partner for Seamless Data Exchange Capabilities
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have announced a collaboration on National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to enhance synergy between digital identity, payment ecosystems and secure seamless data exchange capabilities for Nigeria.
NITDA, which made the announcement on its X handle, said that the collaboration was to further strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,
During the meeting, Kashifu Inuwa, director general of NITDA, and Bisoye Coker-Odusote, director general of NIMC, with some management staff of both organisations, discussed various initiatives, which include building DPI stacks for a secured and seamless data exchange and forming partnerships to transform the national identity system.
This collaboration also aims to harness the potential of the innovative ecosystem and emphasise the use of public-key infrastructure (PKI) to drive digital transformation in Nigeria.
To ensure a smooth implementation, a 12-man committee was set up.
This committee will play a crucial role in kickstarting and harmonising the initiatives and is expected to deliver a comprehensive implementation report within the next 4 weeks.
E-Business
Expert Urges FG to Harmonise NIN, BVN to Tackle Crimes
Noble Ajuonu, head, Sydani Technologies Ltd., has urged the Federal Government to harmonise National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) to tackle crimes and insecurity in the country.
Ajuonu made the call at a media roundtable, organised by Sydani Group in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roundtable focuses on driving sustainability through a comprehensive analysis of Nigeria’s key development areas.
Ajuonu said that Nigeria could overcome its security challenges and pave the way for a safer, more secure future for all Nigerians by embracing technology and implementing practical solutions,
“We need to harmonise data, prioritise seamless integration of databases like NIN, BVN, and security agency records, establish clear protocols for data sharing and access, with robust safeguards against misuse,’’ expert said.
According to him, the unified data pool will empower intelligence gathering and targeted operations.
He also called for investments in smart surveillance, intelligent video analytics software, training of personnel in data analysis, interpretation of data in real-time to combat crimes.
“There is need to implement a legal framework for call interception in criminal investigations, with strict oversight to prevent abuse, encourage community cohesion, training of tech savvy security personnel with tech-enabled tools.’’
Ajuonu also urged the government to address infrastructure deficit in technology, saying that technology was all encompassing to address insecurity.
“According to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), as of December 2023, only 104.2 million Nigerians had been enrolled for the National Identity Number (NIN).’’
Ajuonu added that over 122.2 million citizens left uncaptured for NIN were people in rural areas where enrolment centres, digital services were limited.
“Most crimes are being perpetuated from rural communities and this lack of comprehensive identification creates a gap where elements not captured in the national database can constitute public nuisance, crimes.
“There is the inadequacy in the integration of NIN, BVN and Voters Identification Number (VIN).
“Advanced call interception and analysis tools, used successfully in other countries, could provide invaluable insights into criminal networks and operations but infrastructure is lacking,’’ he said.
Also, Mr Godfrey Petgrave, the Agricultural Expert, Sydani Group, called for empowerment of smallholder farmers with access to finance and training to enhance productivity.
According to Petgrave, Nigeria requires policy reform and institutional strengthening to improve agricultural practices and embrace digital agriculture solutions to address food insecurity.
Mr Akolade Jimoh, another expert of the group on health, advocated for expanded community-based health insurance programmes for rural and underserved areas.
Jimoh added that the country needed to encourage Public Private Partnership to revolutionise products design and quality improvement on health services.
E-Business
Konga launches Infinix Brand Week with Incredible Deals
Konga, Nigeria’s leading composite e-commerce group, is thrilled to announce the launch of amazing deals at its Infinix Brand Week. Infinix, a leading global smartphone brand known for its innovative products and cutting-edge technology promises exclusive discounts and special offers on select smartphones, marking an exciting milestone in the realm of online shopping.
Shoppers can expect nothing short of extraordinary deals on a wide range of Infinix products, all available exclusively on the Konga online platform. With discounts of up to 30% off, this partnership between Konga and Infinix aims to redefine the shopping experience for tech enthusiasts across Nigeria.
Konga Brand Week has become synonymous with excitement and unbeatable deals, and this year’s edition is no exception. In addition to exclusive discounts on Infinix smartphones, shoppers can explore a diverse array of products across various categories, including electronics, fashion, home essentials, and more.
“At Konga, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best shopping experience possible,” said Rita Ohaedoghasi, VP Marketing at Konga. “The Infinix Week during Konga Brand Week allows us to continue delivering on that promise by offering incredible discounts and special offers on some of the most sought-after smartphones in the market.”
To stay updated on the latest developments and exclusive deals during Konga Brand Week, shoppers are encouraged to connect with Konga across all platforms, including social media and the Konga website. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to score big savings and elevate your tech game with Infinix and Konga.
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