The Nigerian government has identified over 6,000 Niger Republic nationals in its National Identification Number (NIN) database, prompting President Bola Tinubu to order a clean-up of the records to ensure accurate identification for social investment programs amid efforts to curb fraudulent registrations.
The Nigerian government has discovered over 6,000 nationals from Niger Republic registered in its National Identification Number (NIN) database. Following this finding, President Bola Tinubu has initiated measures for a comprehensive clean-up of this data, emphasizing the importance of accurate information for the Federal Government’s social investment programs.
The directive was communicated by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a Federal Executive Council meeting. The ongoing database clean-up aims to withdraw NINs from individuals who unlawfully hold them. This move is part of a broader initiative to enhance the integrity of the NIN system.
Previously, the Defence Headquarters reported the apprehension of suspected fraudulent NIMC agents who were found attempting to register non-Nigerians, particularly at border areas. Items seized included registration machines and computers, highlighting the risk posed by such activities in unauthorized identity credentialing.
The NIMC’s role is to register citizens and legal residents, assigning them unique 11-digit NINs tied to personal biometric and demographic data. This centralized system is critical for verifying identities for transactions across government and private sectors.
President Tinubu aims to ensure that the database supports the identification of vulnerable citizens for necessary social assistance like cash transfers and student loans. A source emphasized, “The President doesn’t want to disburse money to people they cannot identify.”
The clean-up also corresponds with President Tinubu’s broader approach to reform the social investment framework in Nigeria. Following the suspension of the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, the government established a panel led by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy to improve the operational effectiveness of social investment programs.
Tinubu’s administration temporarily suspended all social investment programs to conduct an in-depth review. The framework is being reassessed to eliminate institutional weaknesses and restore public confidence in social initiatives.
The issue of illegal registrations in Nigeria’s NIN database underscores ongoing concerns regarding identity security and fraudulent activities. With rampant cases of unauthorized access to identity credentials, the Nigerian government has prioritized rectifying the integrity of its national identification system as it plays a crucial role in resource allocation and social welfare. The establishment of concrete measures reflects a response to these vulnerabilities and the need for accurate social intervention data.
In summary, the discovery of over 6,000 Niger Republic nationals in Nigeria’s NIN database has prompted immediate government action to clean up the registry. President Tinubu’s directives aim to ensure the integrity and accuracy of social investment programs, enhancing their effectiveness while closely monitoring the data registered by NIMC. This initiative represents a significant effort to address fraudulent activities and establish a reliable framework for social assistance in Nigeria.
Original Source: saharareporters.com
