Joel Ajayi
The Federal Ministry of Youth Development (FMYD) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic collaboration aimed at ensuring that every young Nigerian has access to a secure and trusted digital identity, thereby unlocking greater opportunities in the nation’s rapidly expanding digital economy.
The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, and her delegation to the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, in Abuja.
Welcoming the delegation, the Honourable Minister described the visit as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration in driving the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, particularly in the areas of digital inclusion, youth empowerment, innovation and national development.
Comrade Olawande congratulated the Director-General and the management of NIMC on the successful enactment of the NIMC Act, 2026, describing it as a landmark legislation that significantly strengthens Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem and aligns the country’s identity management framework with international best practices.
He noted that the new Act provides a solid legal and institutional framework for building a secure, inclusive and globally competitive digital identity system capable of supporting socio-economic development.
“The enactment of the NIMC Act, 2026, marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards a secure and inclusive digital economy. As the largest demographic of digital technology users, Nigerian youths stand to benefit immensely from a trusted digital identity that expands access to education, employment, entrepreneurship, financial services, healthcare and other government interventions,” the Minister stated.
The Minister observed that a trusted National Identification Number (NIN) has become indispensable for accessing government programmes and public services, stressing that it would enable more young Nigerians to benefit from education, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship support, healthcare, financial inclusion and other developmental initiatives.
He further commended the provisions of the Act that promote the inclusion of vulnerable groups, particularly youths in rural and underserved communities, noting that digital identity remains a critical tool for inclusive development and effective service delivery.
According to him, the “One Person, One Identity” principle will further strengthen transparency and accountability in government interventions by eliminating duplication, reducing fraud and ensuring that benefits reach their intended recipients.
The Minister identified key areas of collaboration between the Ministry and NIMC to include expanding National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment among young Nigerians, promoting digital identity awareness and literacy, facilitating nationwide youth registration, and integrating digital identity into youth-focused programmes and initiatives.
“The Federal Ministry of Youth Development remains committed to working closely with the National Identity Management Commission to increase NIN enrolment among young Nigerians, promote digital identity awareness and ensure that no young person is left behind in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey. Together, we will deepen youth inclusion and advance the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, represented by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Omolara Esan, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between both institutions in advancing youth development through digital innovation.
She described digital identity as a critical enabler of youth empowerment, innovation and socio-economic inclusion.
“Strategic partnerships such as this are essential to achieving inclusive youth development. The Ministry remains committed to collaborating with NIMC to ensure that digital identity becomes a powerful tool for empowerment, innovation and expanded access to opportunities for every young Nigerian, particularly those in rural and underserved communities,” she stated.
In her remarks, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, stated that the enactment of the NIMC Act, 2026, has repositioned the Commission as Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure institution.
She explained that the Commission is laying the foundation for a robust digital public infrastructure that will support Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the private sector and citizens by providing secure, reliable and interoperable digital identity services.
“The NIMC Act, 2026, has repositioned the Commission as Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure institution, providing the foundation for a secure and integrated digital ecosystem that will support government institutions, businesses and citizens. We are also establishing the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), which is fundamental to building digital trust and enabling secure digital transactions across the country,” she said.
The Director-General further disclosed that the Commission is establishing Nigeria’s Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), which will serve as the backbone for trusted digital authentication and secure electronic transactions nationwide.
She explained that the purpose of the visit was to deepen the existing partnership between NIMC and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development by identifying practical initiatives that would deliver measurable impact for young Nigerians.
“We are here to strengthen our collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and identify practical initiatives that will deliver measurable impact for Nigerian youths. Together, we can shape a stronger digital identity ecosystem that expands access to opportunities through a secure and credible identity system. NIMC manages one of Africa’s largest identity databases, and we remain committed to leveraging this platform to support Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda,” Engr. Coker-Odusote added.
