Integrate LGs into identity management system, ex-postmaster general tells FG

A former Postmaster General and CEO of the Nigerian Postal Service, Barrister Bisi Adegbuyi has called for the integration of local governments into identity management framework, saying this would accelerate progress in achieving universal identity coverage in Nigeria. In a statement titled, “Empowering Local Governments to Strengthen Nigeria’s National Identity Framework,” Adegbuyi stated that local […]

A former Postmaster General and CEO of the Nigerian Postal Service, Barrister Bisi Adegbuyi has called for the integration of local governments into identity management framework, saying this would accelerate progress in achieving universal identity coverage in Nigeria.

In a statement titled, “Empowering Local Governments to Strengthen Nigeria’s National Identity Framework,” Adegbuyi stated that local governments are the missing link in Nigeria’s Identity Management System.

According to him, with “The imminent financial autonomy” for local government, political and administrative autonomy should follow for efficient service delivery and bottom-up socio-economic development of Nigeria.

“They are uniquely positioned to address the gaps in our current system by reaching remote and underserved communities,” he said.

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He noted that despite the progress made by NIMC, millions of Nigerians remain excluded from the identity system “Due to limited registration centres in rural areas, logistical and infrastructure challenges and over-centralisation of identity management,  stretching NIMC’s resources.”

He said, “This exclusion not only denies citizens access to essential services but also undermines effective governance, security and development planning.

“It is therefore proposed, in line with the ongoing efforts at repositioning local governments for effective service delivery and accelerated grassroots development, that NIMC’s act be amended to authorise local governments to collect and verify identity data while maintaining integration with NIMC’s central database.

“Existing and evolving technologies on digital addressing, identification and geolocation should be deployed at the local governments with appropriate Public and Private sector Partnerships (PPP).

“The necessary and required capacity building for local government officials should be embarked upon, and massive community engagement to raise awareness and drive citizen participation in registration efforts should be carried out.

“By integrating local governments into the National Identity system, there will be increased registration coverage and reduced exclusion,  improved service delivery by providing accurate local data for planning,  enhanced security and economic opportunities for citizens and reduced operational costs for NIMC with attendant efficiency.

“It must be stressed that this initiative is not about replacing NIMC’s role but strengthening it through collaboration; it’s also aimed at building a more inclusive and effective system that ensures every Nigerian is recognized and empowered by leveraging local government autonomy.”