Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State has said he will ensure that no fewer than 74 per cent of its indigenes yet to be enrolled into the Nigerian Identity Management System are registered and obtain the National Identity Card.
Tambuwal made this known when he received Mal. Garba Balarabe, state Coordinator of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), in his office.
Tambuwal, who spoke through Mr. Manir Muhammad Dan’Iya, his deputy, expressed displeasure at the 16 per cent level of enrolment recorded in the state since the exercise began.
He said: “The percentage is too low compared to the enrolment of citizens in other states.
“It is quite insignificant to a population of over five million people.”
The governor urged the people, especially those in rural areas, to avail themselves of the enrolment, as there were multiple benefits to derive from doing so.
“It’s a civic responsibility and a right to obtain the card as a mark of nationalism and patriotism as citizens,” he said.
Dan’Iya, who received his permanent National Identity Card after years of enrolment, said: “All Nigerians need the identity with which the government can generate accurate data for national and economic development plan.”
Tambuwal said his administration “is ready to assist the NIMC in discharging its responsibilities across the 23 local governments.
Balarabe said his visit was to officially present to him (Dan’Iya), his permanent National ID card as well as inform him of the level of enrolment in Sokoto State.
He appealed for the support of the government in mobilising and publicising the relevance of obtaining the card, especially at the grassroots where many were yet to enrol.
