National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, has assured of its commitment to comply with the laws and regulation governing the protection of data in Nigeria.
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja in her opening remarks at a two-day roundtable with publishers of online newspapers in Nigeria.
She said the commission had done a lot to ensure compliance with the highest standards of data security, sanitizing the system and processes, while ensuring the integrity of data on the country’s identity database.
Her words: “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.
“NIMC’s infrastructure adheres to the stringent ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management System Standard, ensuring that the highest standards of data protection are maintained.
“Under my leadership, NIMC has an unwavering commitment to upholding ethical standards in data protection.
“Cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and real-time monitoring systems are in place to protect the database.
“We are also very deliberate about ensuring that all partners and vendors of the commission comply with strict security standards.”
READ ALSO: ‘Special Premiere Screening’ of ‘The Man Died’ holds July 12
She spoke on the essence of the roundtable, stressing that it was to strengthen collaboration with the media, pursuant to the determination to regularly keep the public informed about the steps being taken to secure their data, the commission’s activities, updates, success stories, as well as challenges.
Coker-Odusote stated further: “As publishers of online newspapers, you are at the forefront of this effort. Your platforms are instrumental in educating the public about our activities, operations, and the benefits of a robust national identity management system.
“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.
“We are also deliberate about establishing a relationship that will help prevent misinformation about NIMC’s activities and clear up any existing misconceptions, thereby maintaining public trust.”
While thanking President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to a better Nigeria, Coker-Odusote commended the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project for its numerous supports to NIMC and for making the Roundtable possible.
She said pursuant to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 16.9), which sought to ensure that everyone on the earth planet had a form of identity by 2030, NIMC shall not rest, until every citizen of Nigeria (at home and in the diaspora) and legal residents were captured on the country’s identity database.
“We are also very deliberate about inclusion. A compelling strategy is already in place, with support from the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project to ensure that those that are at the risk of being excluded on Nigeria’s identity project are adequately covered.
“From persons with disabilities, to women and children, the elderly, and those in rural and hard to reach areas, we are determined to ensure that no one is left behind,” she assured.
“Let me also use this medium to remind you all that enrolment for the National Identification Number (NIN) is free of charge in Nigeria,” the Director General said.
