Public Relation Consultant to the National Identification Management Commission (NIMC), Dr. Walter Duru has stressed the importance of the regulated online media towards countering misinformation and fake news that are often times, floated on social media in Nigeria.
Dr. Duru, in a paper he delivered today, July 4, at the two-day workshop in Abuja for the online newspaper publishers, said that NIMC has realized that online media can be utilized to close the gap of misinformation and barefaced lies being spinned by inexperienced social media users.
He said that the job of the NIMC is too sensitive and tasking to be left in the hands of rumour mongers and mischief makers.
According to Dr. Duru, who is the Manager of Internal Communications (Project Implementation Unit) of the Nigeria Digital Identification For Development (ID4D) Project, the mandate of the NIMC, through the management of the data of Nigerians, including enhancing internal security and reducing fraud.
The mandate, according to him, is also to empower the citizens with verified identity and to streamline access to services among others.
He said that having taken into consideration, challenges, which mainly bordered on inadequate public awareness, NIMC would lean heavily on the online newspaper publishers to get things right.
Dr. Duru appealed to the publishers to take the partnership to the next level by launching awareness campaign for effective education of Nigerians on NIMC mandate.
Earlier in the programme, the Coordinator of Project Implementation Unit of the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project, Mrs. Tito Ejenavi, said that NMIC is committed to ensuring that the national identification system is inclusive, equitable and accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of their socio-economic status, gender, or physical abilities.
“The foundational ID system that NIMC is building is not just about numbers; it’s about people and their access to rights and services.
“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.
“This is particularly crucial for marginalized groups, including persons living with disabilities and the rural poor.”
She said that engaging publishers of online newspapers will further enhance NIMC’s visibility, communicate the commission’s success stories, build valuable relationships, and counter misinformation.
“As digital publishers, you have the power to shape narratives and influence public perceptions. Your platforms reach millions of Nigerians and beyond, daily, making you indispensable partners in our mission to build a more inclusive and digitally empowered Nigeria.
“While we appreciate all your efforts and goodwill over time, we seek your continued support in spreading accurate information about the National Identity Management Commission and of course, the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project.”
According to her,
the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project is a (Nigerian) collaborative effort, jointly funded by the World Bank, the European Investment Bank, and the French Development Agency, with a singular objective: to increase the number of persons with a National Identity Number (NIN) through a robust and inclusive foundational identity system that enables access to services. Our mission is rooted in the principle of inclusion. Historically, identity systems have often inadvertently marginalized certain groups due to logistical challenges and social stigmas, particularly affecting women and persons with disabilities.
