By RARZACK OLAEGBE
I spent hours at the driver’s license renewal centre this week. My driver’s license will expire in a week. But why did I have to endure the rigours of an endless wait? The internet was poor. The staff chorused. The payment portal would not open. The staff made it into a song. The staff grumbled because cash did not follow the transaction as ants follow sugar. Why can’t I get my driver’s license done through a platform that harmonises all government databases? Why can’t I get my international passport through this same platform?
The platform will provide access to all government services, and I can choose which service I desire. I can make a payment. Then forward the payment receipt to another platform for authentication. Does such a platform exist? Where can I apply for a driver’s license? International passport? Other government services? On one online platform? Aha! It offers no stress. No fuss. No bluffing. Instead, the government makes more revenue. But who needs another authentication platform to authenticate the National ID Number that has been authenticated? Not me!
On the one hand
I am yet to experience such a local platform. Kindly send me a link, if it exists. It will make my year. However, what we have is another platform. The National Identity Management Commission [NIMC] new service called NIN Authentication (NINAuth). It is for secure and seamless ID verification and authentication.
On the other hand
The authorised commission said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the use of the NIN Authentication for verification and authentication across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAS). What is NINAuth? NIMC said the service is the exclusive platform for all NIN-based verification. Authentication. Integration. Processes. For optimal services. Hmm…
In the long term
NIMC added that the platform has a web. API. Mobile verification. It will enhance data security. Protect privacy. Simplify access to government services. What are these services? Here is the roll call: SIM registration and replacement. International passport applications and processing. Tax filings and financial transactions. Government intervention programmes. Driver’s license renewals and other regulatory processes.
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NIMC added that the platform is the official service for integration with its backend infrastructure. The commission said the platform would empower you with greater control over your personal information. “By requiring explicit consent before data is shared for Know Your Customer processes or other verifications, the platform fosters trust, transparency, and user autonomy in digital ID management.” That is NIMC’s statement.
Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, said the innovation would advance secure and efficient digital ID management, ensure accessibility and transparency for the ID verification system in Nigeria.
In the short term
Is this the all-in-one platform to take away our pain? When Nigerians no longer need to spend hours to renew drivers’ license or obtain international passport that will be it.
*Olaegbe ([email protected])
