Nigeria’s security agencies and intelligence personnel are currently on red alert following the jailbreak in the Republic of Niger during which time hardened terrorist Kigpins and other criminals escaped into the open world. Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper said that while officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service have been put on alert at all entry points, including airports, seaports, borderlines, intelligence personnel and other security operatives are combing some flashpoints to detect strange movements. In a circular, dated July 12, the Deputy Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), M. C Dike, admitted that the Service is aware of the jailbreak that took place at Koutoukale prison in Niger on July 11, 2024 “that led to escape of hundreds of terrorists, criminals and drug traffickers.” Consequently, all Comptrollers of Commands and OCs of Formations along Niger/Nigeria border are instructed to be on red alert, with the intent of ensuring that you track all suspicious movements and arrest any such prison escapee and report same to the Service Headquarters. This circular became very important as it is suspected that such criminal elements may sneak into Nigeria to join other terrorists to continue to perpetuate mayhem and menace in Nigeria. The circular ordered all officers working on the Nigeria/Niger border to increase their vigilance and to partner with other security agencies in tracking the fleeing terrorists. The circular insisted on “strict compliance with the directive” by all concerned. According to Reuters, the prison’s inmates who escaped during the jailbreak include detainees from the West African country’s conflict with armed groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State and suspected Boko Haram insurgents. The prison, located near the capital city of Niamey, was the scene of a violent mutiny that overwhelmed guards and allowed inmates to escape with weapons and vehicles on July 11. Heavy gunshots and explosions were heard inside the prison around midday, prompting a quick response from security forces. The inmates had already gained control of the prison, breaking through armoured gates, barbed wire, and trenches. The interior ministry could not specify in its statement how many prisoners managed to escape in the jailbreak. The ministry however asked village chiefs and religious leaders to report any suspicious individuals. Niger and its neighbours – Mali and Burkina Faso, all under military rule, have been battling to contain increasing jihadist attacks. It was earlier reported that at least 14 soldiers were killed and 11 others wounded in an attack by suspected jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda in the Tillaberi region.
The digital age has reshaped how we consume and disseminate information, with online media playing a crucial role in shaping public perception and opinion. Recognizing this, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), with support from the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project, recently organized a two-day roundtable with online newspaper publishers in Nigeria. The Roundtable, held in two batches, at Lagos and Abuja, respectively, provided participants the opportunity to understand and appreciate the activities, strategy, approach, achievements, and challenges of NIMC. It was the first of its kind, since the establishment of the commission. This collaborative initiative underscores the importance of dialogue between regulatory bodies and media stakeholders in shaping the future of identity management in the country. It marks a significant step toward enhancing communication, collaboration, and mutual understanding between NIMC and digital media stakeholders. The roundtable, themed “Building Trust and Collaboration in the Digital Age: Enhancing Communication Between NIMC and Online Publishers,” aimed to bridge the gap between NIMC and the digital media. It provided an opportunity for NIMC to articulate its mandate, vision, activities, and achievements directly to the publishers while addressing some misconceptions surrounding its operations. The roundtable laid the foundation for future interactions and collaborative efforts. The event was also designed to foster a partnership that leverages the strengths of online media to support NIMC’s mission and to ensure accurate dissemination of information. In her opening remarks at the event, NIMC Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with the media to combat misinformation and to enhance the visibility of NIMC’s efforts. “As we gather here today, we are united by a common goal: to build formidable bridges between the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the influential voices of the online media landscape.” “In the digital age, the influence of online media cannot be overstated. The internet has become a primary source of information for many, particularly the youth. However, it is also a breeding ground for misinformation and rumours, which can severely impact the reputation and trust in organizations.” “Our focus today is to address the dual role of online publishers – as key partners in disseminating accurate information and as potential sources of misconceptions. We recognize that while you have the power to amplify our successes, there is also the potential for misunderstandings that can spread rapidly.” “This Roundtable aims to forge a partnership that leverages your strengths to support our mission while ensuring that any misconceptions are promptly and accurately addressed.” “Pursuant to our commitment to transparency and accountability, we have instituted robust mechanisms for participation, grievance redress, and regular monitoring to enhance operational performance and mitigate social risks.” “Let me also use this medium to remind you all that enrolment for the National Identification Number (NIN) is free of charge in Nigeria.” “Taking advantage of this meeting, we hope to provide you with comprehensive insights into NIMC’s activities, objectives, strategies, achievements, and challenges. This knowledge is vital for you to disseminate accurate information to the public.” “It is also expected that we discuss your roles in the forthcoming NIMC Ecosystem Enrolment exercise, ensuring you understand how you can contribute to this national effort.” “Let me use this medium to, once again, reassure Nigerians, at home, and in the diaspora that robust measures are in place to safeguard the nation’s database from cyber threats. Under my leadership, NIMC has an unwavering commitment to upholding ethical standards in data protection. Cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies are in place to protect the database.” Earlier in her remarks, Coordinator, Project Implementation Unit, Nigeria Digital ID4D Project, Tito Ejenavi, highlighted the project’s development objective – to increase the number of persons with a National Identity Number (NIN) through a robust and inclusive foundational identity system. “By strengthening our national identity infrastructure, we aim to bolster Nigeria’s digital economy, enhance data protection, and close the inclusion gaps that hinder access to identification and related key services,” she explained. Also, in his remarks, Deputy President, Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) and Publisher of NewsdiaryOnline, Danlami Nmodu, pledged the continued support and collaboration of online publishers to the commission. The roundtable featured a series of presentations, interactive sessions, and case studies, aimed at educating participants about NIMC’s operations, strategy, achievements, and plans. Notable presentations included “NIMC: Mandate, Approach, Operations and Strategy” by Festus Esangbedo and “Understanding Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote’s 5-Point Agenda for NIMC” by Dr. Alvan Ikoku. Others are: “Front End Partners in NIN Enrolment: Essence, Approach, Benefits and Challenges”, by Carolyne Folami; “Nigeria Digital ID4D Project and the Ecosystem Enrolment”, by Chinenye Chizea’; “Improvements to NIMC Infrastructure: Implications to Data Integrity, Privacy and Security”, by Chinenye Chizea, and “Online Publishers and Realization of the NIMC Mandate”, By Dr. Walter Duru. These sessions provided comprehensive insights into the commission’s efforts to maintain a secure, robust and inclusive national identity system. For online publishers, the roundtable underscored the importance of their role in the national identity management ecosystem. As digital gatekeepers, they have the power to shape narratives and influence public perceptions. The collaboration with NIMC presents an opportunity to enhance their reporting with accurate and comprehensive information directly from the source. The NIMC’s engagement with online publishers is a strategic move to enhance transparency and build public trust in the National Identity Number (NIN) system. By involving the media, NIMC can ensure accurate and timely dissemination of information, addressing public concerns and misinformation about the digital identity process. The roundtable provided an opportunity for NIMC to clarify its objectives, challenges, and progress. Online publishers, armed with this knowledge, can produce more informed and insightful content, fostering a more supportive and educated public opinion. This improved understanding can lead to more nuanced reporting, highlighting the benefits and addressing the drawbacks of the NIN system. As the media amplify the discussions from the roundtable, the general populace stands to benefit from increased awareness about the importance of digital identity. This awareness is crucial for driving the widespread adoption of the NIN, which is essential for the success of various government initiatives aimed at improving service delivery and socio-economic development. Feedback from online publishers provided NIMC with valuable insights into public sentiment and practical challenges faced by citizens. This collaborative feedback loop can inform policy adjustments and operational improvements, ensuring that the NIN system evolves to meet the needs and expectations of Nigerians effectively. The outcomes of the roundtable were promising, with enhanced understanding of NIMC’s mandate and activities, strengthened relationships, and the establishment of effective communication bridges between NIMC and online publishers. To sustain this momentum, several next steps were identified, such as establishing regular communication channels between NIMC and online publishers to ensure continuous engagement and prompt resolution of issues, periodic meetings, among others. The time has therefore come for NIMC to create a structured framework for ongoing collaboration with online media. This can lead to sustained media support and effective dissemination of information about NIMC’s initiatives. A comprehensive public education campaign, supported by the media, is essential for demystifying the NIN process and highlighting its benefits. NIMC, in collaboration with online publishers, can develop and disseminate educational content that addresses common misconceptions and encourages participation in the digital identity system. Organizing training sessions for online publishers and other media stakeholders on NIMC’s systems and processes will enhance their understanding and reporting accuracy. By working together, NIMC and online publishers can enhance the visibility, trust, and goodwill of the commission, ensuring that accurate and effective information reaches the public. No doubt, NIMC’s roundtable with online publishers represents a forward-thinking approach to governance and stakeholder engagement. It highlights the importance of collaboration between national institutions and digital media in fostering a well-informed and inclusive society. This initiative is not only timely but also critical, given the increasing reliance on digital platforms for information dissemination. It sets the stage for improved public awareness and education on the importance of digital identity. This partnership is not just beneficial to NIMC but also aligns with the social responsibility obligation of online publishers to inform and educate the public accurately. As we move forward, sustained engagement, technological innovation, and comprehensive public education will be key to unlocking the full potentials of the NIN and ensuring that it serves as a cornerstone for Nigeria’s digital future. With the foundation laid for a productive relationship, the future looks promising for NIMC and the online media community. All hands must be on deck!
Dr. Chike Walter Duru, an Associate Professor of Mass Communication, is a communication expert and Public Relations strategist. He could be reached on: walterchike@gmail.com.
Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has formally written a petition against Daily Trust Newspaper to the National Media Complaints Commission (NMCC), otherwise known as the Ombudsman. In the petition to the NMCC, the Federal Government complained that Daily Trust newspaper published an article on July 4, 2024 “containing false and misleading information that severely threatens national security.” In the petition, dated July 8, 2024, and signed by Dr. Ngozi Onwudiwe, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, on behalf of Information Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, the Government alleged that on July 4, 2024, the newspaper published on its front page, a news item titled “LGBT: Nigeria Signs $150 Billion Samoa Deal,” in which it reported that the Government had endorsed a European Union (EU) partnership agreement (referred to as the “Samoa Agreement”) with member states of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), despite some conditional clauses that compel benefiting nations to support the agitations by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community for recognition. The Government described the report as “false and misleading” and said that as a result of the alleged false report, “individuals and government officials have been subjected to hate speech, threats, intimidation, and cyberbullying across social media.” It asked the NMCC to intervene in the matter and, among other things: ·Carry out a thorough investigation of the alleged misleading publication; ·Direct the newspaper’s management to publicly retract and correct the alleged false information, with equal prominence as the original article; ·Direct the newspaper’s management to issue an unequivocal apology for allegedly recklessly disseminating false information; and ·Implement stricter editorial guidelines to prevent a repeat of such alleged unwholesome reports by any newspaper in the future. Meanwhile, the NMCC has sent a formal acknowledgement letter dated July 10, 2024 and signed by its Chairman, Eluem Emeka Izeze and the Interim Secretary, Feyi Smith, to the Ministry, informing it that the complaint is receiving the attention of the Commission, and that the outcome would be duly communicated to the Government. “The management of Daily Trust will be contacted shortly for its response. “As an independent media regulatory body, it is our duty to promote media adherence to the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct, as well as ensure that the media operate in a free and unfettered environment. “In accordance with this mandate and our established procedures, we have commenced an investigation into the government’s allegations. We assure the public that our inquiry will be thorough and impartial. We look forward to receiving the full cooperation of all parties involved and pledge to continue to ensure transparency throughout this process.”
The Organisation of Muslim Unity in Nigeria (OMUN) has called on the authorities to hasten investigation into the attack on a Muslim, Abdulazeez Suleiman and his wives, by a Pastor of the Christ Appostolic Church (CAC) Agbala Imole at Iseyin in Oyo State, during the recent Eid Adha (Sallah). Rising from its 82nd National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held from July 5 to 7 in Lagos State, the group condemned the attack, carried out in a country where Constitution guaranteed freedom of religion, devoid of any hatred or victimization from anybody. “It is on this, we condemn in totality the unwarranted attack on our Muslim brother and his family by a pastor of CAC Agbala Imole at Iseyin, using Army Personnel to intimidate, harass and assault them on the day of Eid-El-Adha. “We call for full justice on the matter and thorough investigation and appropriate punishment on the Army Personnel involved.” The victims and other Muslims, sustained various degrees of injuries during the attack on Sunday, June 16, 2024. In the Communique emanating from the meeting, signed by the President, Engineer Waheed Shittu and Secretary General, Alhaji Ma’ruf Elegbede, OMUN however, commended the timely intervention and settlement of the imbroglio between the Royal Majesty, the Soun of Ogbomoso and Dr. Toliat Ayilara, who is the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso. The group advised those behind the rift to allow better religious understanding and tolerance for lasting peace and harmony to reign in the town. In the Communique, the group called on securities operatives to be more vigilant in their duty posts in view of the recent bombings in Borno State. It advised the operatives not to relent on the commendable efforts at bringing down insecurity to the present manageable situation. “We call on Mr. President and Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the high cost of living being experienced by the masses as a result of hyper-inflation caused by the removal of fuel subsidy and unstable foreign exchange value. “We charge the Federal Government to reconsider the recent increase in the electricity tariff as it harkened to the burden of the citizens. “The incessant down tools by the various workers unions on wages and non implementation of agreements with government has continued to slow down productivity, thereby affecting the economy of the nation. We therefore, implore the government to always honour signed agreements with the unions for peace to reign in the nation.”
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, has gone solo, instituting what looks like price control measures on food items being sold in the market within his kingdom. In a swift move to address the daily rising cost of food items, the First Class Monarch banned all associations that have to do with uniform prices of food items in his kingdom. Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper said that the Ooni threatened to banish any trader, market men or women who sells food items and other essential commodities beyond the reach of the common people in his domain. Oba Enitan Ogunwusi ordered that each trader should be free to fix the prices of the food items, even as he ordered that no trader should sell sizeable amount of pepper and tomatoes above N200. The King, in a viral video by his chiefs, told the market women that nobody should coerced or fixed prices for others. The Ooni also ordered that a portion of pepper should henceforth be sold at the rate of N100 and N200. The monarch also warned those selling seven cups of foodstuffs as a congo to residents to stop, adding that anyone caught will be banished from the town. The Chiefs told traders: “In the name of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi and the 16 Cheifs, the market heads (Babaloja and Iyaloja) of Ile-Ife should go and inform all market men and women in Ile-Ife that starting from today, (Friday, July 12), that Kabiyesi has cancelled anything called market association. “Also anyone who threatened or coerced another to sell their foodstuff or goods at a particular price will be dealt with. Everyone should sell at his or her own price. “Also the people selling pepper should not sell a portion for more than N200. The act of selling a portion of pepper for N500 should stop from today. “For those selling foodstuffs, anybody who cheats customers by selling 7 cups as a congo of rice, once caught, will leave the city. “Similarly, any outsider who come to trade in Ile-Ife should be welcome. Anybody who chases an outsider who come to trade, away will be sent out of Ile-Ife.” Meanwhile, the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba (Dr) Gabriel Aromolaran had earlier banned trade union and transport associations in Ilesa. The monarch said that the extortionate practices of union leaders and the negative contributions of the unions and associations to the increment in prices of commodities are responsible for the ban.
Lawyers under the canopy of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have written to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, asking him to immediately withdraw his order on the enforcement of the electronic-Central Motor Registry Information System (CMRIS) Certificate, saying that it is illegal. In a letter to the police boss, the Chairman and Secretary of the NBA’s Section on Public Interest, John Aikpokpo-Martins and Funmi Adeogun respectively, stressed that there is no law in Nigeria that empowers police to issue any kind of vehicle certificates to motorists. They made it clear that any such certificate being issued by the Nigeria Police Force without any legal backing “is outright illegal, null, and void and therefore of no consequence.” The lawyers reiterated the fact that the duty of the Nigeria Police in protecting the citizens and enforcing the law “does not extend to collecting monies and/or issuing certificates to vehicle owners.” The letter reads in part: The attention of the Nigeria Bar Association Section on Public Interest (NBA-SPIDEL) has been recently drawn to reports all around the country that vehicle owners are mandated to register and obtain a Central Motor Information System (CMRIS) Certificate from the Nigeria Police Force for a cost of not less than #6,000.00 (Six thousand naira). NBA-SPIDEL also has it on good authority that the men of the Nigeria Police have since started enforcing compliance wherein purported defaulters have been made to part with their hard-earned monies in thousands of Naira. In the light of these developments, the NBA-SPIDEL questions the legal propriety which enables the Nigeria Police Force to issue Central Motor Information System (CMRIS) Certificates to vehicle owners, particularly when it is not clearly stated in any laws (at least to our knowledge) that the Nigeria Police has any authority to issue car licenses or certificates of any nature to to vehicle owners after due registration of vehicles in the appropriate office. NBA-SPIDEL states further that any such certificate being issued by the Nigeria Police Force without any legal backing is outright illegal, null, and void and therefore of no consequence. NBA-SPIDEL therefore uses this opportunity to reiterate the fact that the duty of the Nigeria Police in protecting the citizens and enforcing the law does not extend to collecting monies and/or issuing certificates to vehicle owners. Regrettably, the men of the Nigeria Police Force have since taken advantage of the ignorance of unsuspecting Nigerians by extorting large sums of money from them for failure to present the CMRIS certificate on demand during road search. Consequently, the NBA-SPIDEL states that these acts of illegality must not continue unabated and therefore unequivocally demand that the Nigeria Police immediately stop the issuance and/or demand for the Central Motor Information System (CMRIS) Certificate. NBA-SPIDEL, therefore, humbly but strongly demands that you issue a directive immediately stopping the issuance of/demand for the CMRIS certificates nationwide. NBA-SPIDEL further demands that the registration website and every other physical registration centres be shut down, and every money already collected from Nigerians be refunded to them within 3 days of the receipt of this notice. Please note that failure, neglect or refusal to comply with this lawful demand within 7 days of the receipt of this letter will compel NBA-SPIDEL to seek appropriate sanctions in court against your esteemed office and the Nigeria Police Force. Please be assured of our utmost respect at all times.
Fire has gutted the outer Court of the Kofar Kudu Palace of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II. A statement by the Chief of Staff to the Emir (Danburam Kano), Munir Bayero, said the incident occured Saturday morning. The chief of staff, however said that there was no casualty. “It is hereby notified that on Saturday July 13, 2024, in the morning, a fire incident occured at the Outer Court of His Royal Highness’s Palace, Kofar Kudu. “Fortunately, there were no casualties and the damage was minimal.The palace is taking all necessary measures to ensure the security and safety of the palace and its occupants. “We are also investigating the cause of the fire and taking steps to prevent such incidents from happening in the future,” Bayero said.
The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) has set in motion, the process for the conduct of election of local government chairmen and other officials to replace the existing caretaker arrangement.
This is coming on the heels of the Supreme Court Judgment that abrogated ad-hoc arrangement for the running of the local governments and conferred autonomy on them across Nigeria. Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper said that the Kogi SIEC will from Tuesday, July 16, begin interfacing with stakeholders, preparatory to the conduct of the election. The meeting will be held to brief political parties and other stakeholders on the timetable and schedule for the election.
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho as the Managing Director and Senator Adedayo Adeyeye as Chairman of the Board for the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). A statement from the Presidency today, July 12, said that Dr. Dantsoho holds a Doctorate degree in Maritime Technology from Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom, and a Master’s degree in International Transport from Cardiff University of Wales, United Kingdom. Before his appointment, he had served in various roles in the Nigerian Ports Authority as Assistant General Manager; Technical Assistant to the Managing Director; Port Manager, Onne Port; and Principal Manager, Tariff & Billing. Senator Adeyeye, the Board Chairman, is a seasoned lawyer, journalist, and politician. He is a former Minister of State for Works and former Senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District.
No fewer than eight Chinese nationals have been arrested by the Mining Marshals, an elite security outfit crafted from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for alleged illegal mining activities in Lokpaukwu community, Umuchieze, in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State. The Marshals who are tasked with ridding the mining sector of illegal operators also arrested and arainged a Nigerian in the same location and together with the Chinese Nationals are being detained in the Kuje Correctional Center, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Mining Marshals, codenamed: “Operation Hayakin Kogo,” is the brainchild of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake. Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper said that the trial of the suspects began yesterday, July 11, before Justice J.K Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja. The prosecution had filed a 3-count charge, bordering on mining without lawful authority, obstruction of lawful mining operations amongst others. The defendants include SHEN YONGCHAN, MO BAIXIAN, XIAO BIN, HUANG XU FA, MA BINGLI, YANG JIAN, LI PEIYIN, QUE WENYONG, HIYK EDWARD DESMOND, and WANDA COMPANY LIMITED. After the pleas and arguments from both sides, the defendants were remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre until the adjourned date for the continuation of the trial. The Mining Marshals, led by ACC John Onoja, comprise a 2,570-strong force dedicated to eliminating the nefarious activities of criminal syndicates in mining areas across the country.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
NIMC, Online Publishers Roundtable: Implications And Future Directions, By Walter Duru
The digital age has reshaped how we consume and disseminate information, with online media playing a crucial role in shaping public perception and opinion.
Recognizing this, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), with support from the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project, recently organized a two-day roundtable with online newspaper publishers in Nigeria.
The Roundtable, held in two batches, at Lagos and Abuja, respectively, provided participants the opportunity to understand and appreciate the activities, strategy, approach, achievements, and challenges of NIMC. It was the first of its kind, since the establishment of the commission.
This collaborative initiative underscores the importance of dialogue between regulatory bodies and media stakeholders in shaping the future of identity management in the country. It marks a significant step toward enhancing communication, collaboration, and mutual understanding between NIMC and digital media stakeholders.
The roundtable, themed “Building Trust and Collaboration in the Digital Age: Enhancing Communication Between NIMC and Online Publishers,” aimed to bridge the gap between NIMC and the digital media.
It provided an opportunity for NIMC to articulate its mandate, vision, activities, and achievements directly to the publishers while addressing some misconceptions surrounding its operations. The roundtable laid the foundation for future interactions and collaborative efforts.
The event was also designed to foster a partnership that leverages the strengths of online media to support NIMC’s mission and to ensure accurate dissemination of information.
In her opening remarks at the event, NIMC Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with the media to combat misinformation and to enhance the visibility of NIMC’s efforts.
“As we gather here today, we are united by a common goal: to build formidable bridges between the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the influential voices of the online media landscape.”
“In the digital age, the influence of online media cannot be overstated. The internet has become a primary source of information for many, particularly the youth. However, it is also a breeding ground for misinformation and rumours, which can severely impact the reputation and trust in organizations.”
“Our focus today is to address the dual role of online publishers – as key partners in disseminating accurate information and as potential sources of misconceptions. We recognize that while you have the power to amplify our successes, there is also the potential for misunderstandings that can spread rapidly.”
“This Roundtable aims to forge a partnership that leverages your strengths to support our mission while ensuring that any misconceptions are promptly and accurately addressed.”
“Pursuant to our commitment to transparency and accountability, we have instituted robust mechanisms for participation, grievance redress, and regular monitoring to enhance operational performance and mitigate social risks.”
“Let me also use this medium to remind you all that enrolment for the National Identification Number (NIN) is free of charge in Nigeria.”
“Taking advantage of this meeting, we hope to provide you with comprehensive insights into NIMC’s activities, objectives, strategies, achievements, and challenges. This knowledge is vital for you to disseminate accurate information to the public.”
“It is also expected that we discuss your roles in the forthcoming NIMC Ecosystem Enrolment exercise, ensuring you understand how you can contribute to this national effort.”
“Let me use this medium to, once again, reassure Nigerians, at home, and in the diaspora that robust measures are in place to safeguard the nation’s database from cyber threats. Under my leadership, NIMC has an unwavering commitment to upholding ethical standards in data protection. Cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies are in place to protect the database.”
Earlier in her remarks, Coordinator, Project Implementation Unit, Nigeria Digital ID4D Project, Tito Ejenavi, highlighted the project’s development objective – to increase the number of persons with a National Identity Number (NIN) through a robust and inclusive foundational identity system.
“By strengthening our national identity infrastructure, we aim to bolster Nigeria’s digital economy, enhance data protection, and close the inclusion gaps that hinder access to identification and related key services,” she explained.
Also, in his remarks, Deputy President, Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) and Publisher of NewsdiaryOnline, Danlami Nmodu, pledged the continued support and collaboration of online publishers to the commission.
The roundtable featured a series of presentations, interactive sessions, and case studies, aimed at educating participants about NIMC’s operations, strategy, achievements, and plans.
Notable presentations included “NIMC: Mandate, Approach, Operations and Strategy” by Festus Esangbedo and “Understanding Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote’s 5-Point Agenda for NIMC” by Dr. Alvan Ikoku.
Others are: “Front End Partners in NIN Enrolment: Essence, Approach, Benefits and Challenges”, by Carolyne Folami; “Nigeria Digital ID4D Project and the Ecosystem Enrolment”, by Chinenye Chizea’; “Improvements to NIMC Infrastructure: Implications to Data Integrity, Privacy and Security”, by Chinenye Chizea, and “Online Publishers and Realization of the NIMC Mandate”, By Dr. Walter Duru.
These sessions provided comprehensive insights into the commission’s efforts to maintain a secure, robust and inclusive national identity system.
For online publishers, the roundtable underscored the importance of their role in the national identity management ecosystem. As digital gatekeepers, they have the power to shape narratives and influence public perceptions. The collaboration with NIMC presents an opportunity to enhance their reporting with accurate and comprehensive information directly from the source.
The NIMC’s engagement with online publishers is a strategic move to enhance transparency and build public trust in the National Identity Number (NIN) system. By involving the media, NIMC can ensure accurate and timely dissemination of information, addressing public concerns and misinformation about the digital identity process.
The roundtable provided an opportunity for NIMC to clarify its objectives, challenges, and progress. Online publishers, armed with this knowledge, can produce more informed and insightful content, fostering a more supportive and educated public opinion. This improved understanding can lead to more nuanced reporting, highlighting the benefits and addressing the drawbacks of the NIN system.
As the media amplify the discussions from the roundtable, the general populace stands to benefit from increased awareness about the importance of digital identity. This awareness is crucial for driving the widespread adoption of the NIN, which is essential for the success of various government initiatives aimed at improving service delivery and socio-economic development.
Feedback from online publishers provided NIMC with valuable insights into public sentiment and practical challenges faced by citizens. This collaborative feedback loop can inform policy adjustments and operational improvements, ensuring that the NIN system evolves to meet the needs and expectations of Nigerians effectively.
The outcomes of the roundtable were promising, with enhanced understanding of NIMC’s mandate and activities, strengthened relationships, and the establishment of effective communication bridges between NIMC and online publishers.
To sustain this momentum, several next steps were identified, such as establishing regular communication channels between NIMC and online publishers to ensure continuous engagement and prompt resolution of issues, periodic meetings, among others.
The time has therefore come for NIMC to create a structured framework for ongoing collaboration with online media. This can lead to sustained media support and effective dissemination of information about NIMC’s initiatives.
A comprehensive public education campaign, supported by the media, is essential for demystifying the NIN process and highlighting its benefits.
NIMC, in collaboration with online publishers, can develop and disseminate educational content that addresses common misconceptions and encourages participation in the digital identity system.
Organizing training sessions for online publishers and other media stakeholders on NIMC’s systems and processes will enhance their understanding and reporting accuracy.
By working together, NIMC and online publishers can enhance the visibility, trust, and goodwill of the commission, ensuring that accurate and effective information reaches the public.
No doubt, NIMC’s roundtable with online publishers represents a forward-thinking approach to governance and stakeholder engagement. It highlights the importance of collaboration between national institutions and digital media in fostering a well-informed and inclusive society.
This initiative is not only timely but also critical, given the increasing reliance on digital platforms for information dissemination. It sets the stage for improved public awareness and education on the importance of digital identity.
This partnership is not just beneficial to NIMC but also aligns with the social responsibility obligation of online publishers to inform and educate the public accurately.
As we move forward, sustained engagement, technological innovation, and comprehensive public education will be key to unlocking the full potentials of the NIN and ensuring that it serves as a cornerstone for Nigeria’s digital future.
With the foundation laid for a productive relationship, the future looks promising for NIMC and the online media community.
All hands must be on deck!
Dr. Chike Walter Duru, an Associate Professor of Mass Communication, is a communication expert and Public Relations strategist. He could be reached on: walterchike@gmail.com.