The Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project Ecosystem Steering Committee was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The steering committee was inaugurated by His Excellency, Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, at the conference room of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Abuja, according to a statement from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
The Nigeria Digital ID4D Project’s strategic direction will be set by the Steering Committee. The goal of the initiative is to provide every Nigerian with a secure, verified digital identity, improving government and service delivery while opening doors for the digital economy to flourish.
The Committee is composed of the SGF as Chairman. Members include the Minister of Finance, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Minister of Health, Minister of Education, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, and the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the NIMC, amongst others.
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The SGF, Senator George Akume, in his inaugural speech, underscored the immense potential of the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project to revolutionize identification and access to services. He emphasizes the need to address challenges related to data privacy, accessibility, and citizen engagement to ensure the project’s success.
The DG/CEO NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, in her welcome address, highlights the importance of digital identity in driving socio-economic development and empowering the citizens.
She expressed confidence in the project’s transformative impact and looking forward to the Steering Committee’s collective efforts.
Coker emphasized the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Program represents a bold and ambitious initiative aimed at leveraging digital technologies to enhance service delivery, improve governance, and unlock opportunities for our citizens.
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The Steering Committee’s mandate extends beyond policy formulation to fostering a collaborative governance structure that will oversee the project’s implementation. The Committee is tasked with ensuring that the project aligns with international best practices and respects the privacy and rights of all Nigerians.
The ID4D project, which commenced in 2019, is being financed through an International Development Association (IDA) credit of US$115 million and co-financing of US$100 million from the French Agency for Development and US$215 million from the European Investment Bank.
According to the World Bank, which facilitated the loans and monitored the project, as of April 30, 2023, a total of $35.6 million had been disbursed for the implementation of the project.
The bank said the objective of the Digital Identification for Development Project for Nigeria is to increase the number of persons with a national ID number, issued by a robust and inclusive foundational Identification (ID) system, that facilitates their access to services.
