By Adeyinka Adeniran
Former Postmaster General and CEO of the Nigerian Postal Service, Mr Bisi Adegbuyi, on Monday called for strengthening of the local governments across the country to enhance Nigeria’s national identity framework in other to accelerate progress in achieving universal identity coverage in Nigeria
Speaking in a statement, the former Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST) boss said the local government remains the missing link in the Nigeria’s Identity Management System, (NIMC) hence the need for the urgent integration.
He however proposed that the NIMC’s act be amended to authorise local governments to collect and verify identity data while maintaining integration with NIMC’s central database.
He said despite the significant progress 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.
Adegbuyi said “Local Governments are the missing link in Nigeria’s Identity Management System, there is an urgent need for the integration of local governments into the National Identity framework to accelerate progress in achieving universal identity coverage in Nigeria.
“Local governments are the closest administrative units to the people, riding on the imminent financial autonomy for them; 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.
“Let’s not make any mistake about it: this is not an attempt to usurp or encroach on the statutory powers of NIMC; rather, it is meant to complement NIMC’s commendable efforts in building a robust, inclusive identity framework.
“Despite significant progress 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.
“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.”
Harping on the benefits, he said 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.
“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.
“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.”
