The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in Nigeria has granted the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) a licence to register inmates across the country’s 256 custodial centres for the National Identification Number (NIN).
This was disclosed by the Acting Controller General of the NCoS, Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, during a courtesy visit to the Director General of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Nwakuche highlighted the significance of the initiative, noting that it would eliminate the exclusion of inmates from the nation’s development plans. He emphasized that registering inmates for NIN would enhance their safety and security, while also aiding their identification in the event of jailbreaks.
The NCoS boss explained that the collaboration was part of the ongoing reforms within the Correctional Service system aimed at ensuring seamless operations and alignment with national objectives.
“There are lots of socio-economic developments within the Correctional Service system. Many inmates have obtained university degrees, master’s degrees, and even PhDs in various fields. These individuals should not be excluded from the nation’s development plans. They should be reintegrated into society to contribute meaningfully to their families and the country,” he said.
Nwakuche also underscored the importance of including inmates in national planning activities such as census and other critical developmental projects, noting that many inmates are awaiting trial and still presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
In response, the NIMC Director General, Engr. Coker-Odusote, reaffirmed the importance of the NIN to Nigeria’s national development agenda. She highlighted the commission’s extensive partnerships with private sector players, such as banks, and its collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), noting that all bank accounts are now linked to the NIN.
“The eight-point agenda of President Bola Tinubu is anchored on digital identity. For instance, NIN is linked to student loans to eliminate duplicity and prevent ghost beneficiaries,” Coker-Odusote explained.
She assured the NCoS of NIMC’s support, expressing optimism about the collaboration. “We will give you the licence and the necessary support to enable you to fulfill your mandate effectively,” she added.
Coker-Odusote noted that NIMC had already partnered with other key agencies, including the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), to enhance the smooth delivery of their respective mandates.
Nigeria is currently building a comprehensive national database through the issuance of NIN. While the exercise has faced challenges such as inadequate funding, international support, including the World Bank’s Identity for Development (ID4D) project, has accelerated enrollment efforts.
As of October last year, over 115 million Nigerians and legal residents had been issued NIN. The inclusion of inmates in the registration process is expected to further boost this number and ensure a more inclusive database.