The Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr (Dr) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, has praised the significant contribution of the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) in raising awareness on the agency’s initiatives, particularly the ongoing National Identity Number (NIN) enrollments throughout the country.
The DG who made these remarks during a courtesy visit from the online media partner to her office in Abuja on Tuesday, emphasised that the collaborative and strategic media partnership with ACOE is invaluable.
She reminded ACOE of the agency’s notable accomplishments, highlighting improvements in staff welfare, effective administration, and, most importantly, the increased NIN enrollment, which is essential for fulfilling the agency’s constitutional responsibility of registering all Nigerians to enhance service delivery by the federal government.
Represented by senior Directors at the agency, Engr Odusote, through the Director of the Human Capital Management Department, Mrs. Rhoda Jackden, expressed gratitude for the visibility NIMC has gained through ACOE. She commended the strategic media relationship that exists between the two organisations, which ensures the agency meets its obligations.
“We would like to use this opportunity to express our gratitude for your consistent support during our collaborative meetings, including workshops and various engagements.
“I have taken note of your commendation regarding staff welfare, and as the Head of the Human Capital Management Department at NIMC, I will address this. Our department is responsible for staff welfare, training, and related matters. We aim to ensure that every employee is well-equipped to fulfil the Commission’s mandate.
“Last year alone, we trained no less than 3,700 staff across various levels, including management training, to ensure that everyone is adequately prepared for their roles at NIMC.
“Currently, NIMC is focused on enrollment at the ward level, ensuring that every Nigerian obtains a National Identification Number (NIN). It is evident that, at this time, having a NIN is essential for accessing government services in our country.
“This initiative is part of President Tinubu’s efforts to enhance government services and ensure that all Nigerians are accounted for and well-served. We are actively working at the ward levels, having launched this initiative on February 16, 2026. We are collaborating closely with our front-end partners, whom you have already mentioned, to guarantee that every Nigerian is registered and issued a NIN.
“Thus, the Director General, Engr Coker, is making significant strides with the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that NIMC fulfils its mandate of enrolling Nigerians with NIN in preparation for the issuance of the general multipurpose card.
“We are pleased to have you, the Online Editors, involved in these collaborative efforts, partnering with us on this commendable mandate.
“On behalf of the Director General, we welcome you to NIMC, especially considering your commitment, as stated in your speech, to support the important work NIMC is doing through continuous publicity and robust media engagement at any time.
“On behalf of the Director General, we also wish to appreciate the recent Exemplary Service Award bestowed on her,” Jackden stressed.
Earlier, Sola Akingboye, the Chairman of the Corporate Online Editors, expressed confidence in the current Director General of NIMC. He particularly acknowledged the transformative leadership of Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, whose term beginning in 2023 has signified a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s digital identity development.
“I would like to begin by acknowledging the transformative leadership of the Director-General/CEO, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, whose term since 2023 has represented a crucial phase in Nigeria’s digital identity evolution.
“It is worth noting that during its inaugural Public Lecture & Award in November, ACOE honoured Engr Coker with the Exemplary Public Service Delivery Award.
“ACOE also praises NIMC for its renewed efforts in enhancing Nigeria’s digital identity framework. Under the guidance of the Director General, the enrollment of the National Identification Number (NIN) has exceeded 120 million Nigerians, greatly enlarging the national identity database.
“Operational reforms have led to a 40% decrease in extortion and unauthorised fees at enrolment centres, thereby restoring public confidence. A backlog of payments owed to Front-End Partners (FEPs) spanning two years was resolved, rejuvenating partnerships and bolstering service delivery across the nation.
“More than 800 new mobile enrollment devices were introduced to enhance accessibility, especially in underserved areas. Additionally, over 2,500 new systems were allocated to modernise infrastructure and improve operational efficiency.
“These milestones signify visionary leadership and a strong dedication to sanitising, digitising, and enhancing Nigeria’s identity framework.
“Regarding staff welfare, we acknowledge the DG’s emphasis on internal reforms and staff morale, which includes the implementation of a 25–30% salary increase, sanctioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the promotion of over 3,000 staff members.
“The introduction of welfare initiatives such as complimentary bus services and food assistance programs has also been noted.
“To our understanding, these measures have bolstered institutional stability and enhanced productivity within NIMC. Consequently, it is not unexpected that the DG has garnered esteemed recognitions from ACOE during our investiture event in November, among other similar accolades,” Akingboye remarked.
He further emphasised the significance of ACOE’s dedication to ethical journalism and responsible digital storytelling, while affirming ACOE’s willingness to contribute to the amplification of NIMC’s reforms and accomplishments through credible reporting.
“In the current digital age, perception influences policy impact. Our editors possess the skills necessary to convert technical reforms into accessible, citizen-oriented narratives that foster public trust.
“We distribute precise and timely press releases across our platforms. We aim to educate Nigerians on the significance of NIN enrollment and compliance with digital identity regulations.
“We strive to counter misinformation through fact-based digital narratives and therefore respectfully request regular media engagements with the DG and the management team of NIMC.
“We use this opportunity to request access for guided tours of selected NIMC facilities when necessary for accurate reporting, including organised media briefings with ACOE to enhance transparency and public awareness.
“Distinguished DG, we believe that NIMC’s mandate is central to Nigeria’s digital future. The significant advancements achieved under your leadership warrant ongoing visibility and strategic promotion.
“ACOE stands ready to serve as a responsible and professional media partner in projecting the Commission’s milestones, reforms, and national impact.
“Together, we can build a stronger digital identity system that supports governance, economic growth, and national inclusion”, Akingboye assured.
As part of the highlight of the visit, Enger Bisoye Coker received the Association’s muffler, reinforcing the strong media relationship between the Editors and the agency.
Akingboye characterised the muffler presentation as the association’s symbol of identity, a meaningful act of affection and inclusion, designated solely for esteemed individuals, which he asserted Odusote rightfully earned in acknowledgment of her significant contributions to the data collection of a greater number of Nigerians at the NIMC’s switchboard.
In attendance at the meeting were Kayode Adegoke PhD, the Director of Media and Communications; Mr Elvis Alagbegbe, the Director of the Office of the DG; Mrs Rhoda Jackden, the Director of Human Resources; Halima Lawal, the Head of Content; and representatives from the visiting Online Editors, ACOE, led by their Chairman.
