Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo : Minister of Interior
By Sehubo Festus
FG plans to harmonize citizen data, end multiple ID registrations. The Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has stated that the Federal Government will engage in data harmonization through the National Identity Management Commission NIMC, stressing that different ID registrations will soon be inefficient in the country.
Tunji-Ojo highlighted the necessity of creating a technology-focused data center within the ministry during a meeting with the MTN management team, led by Chief Executive Officer Karl Toriola, on Monday in Abuja.
Tunji-Ojo states that the NIMC has been mandated to harmonize the country’s database as President Bola Tinubu seeks to improve the country’s identity and security architecture.
Speaking on the need to harmonize the country’s data, Tunji-Ojo emphasized the necessity for the country to have a tech-driven data hub within the ministry, according to a statement by Alao Babatunde, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister of Interior.
“We need an interior hub.” “A massive data center where all of our identity information will be documented,” he added.
“Data harmonization is critical.” If we want to succeed at the Ministry of Interior, we must first succeed at NIMC. Our travel document’s integrity must be restored through data harmonization.
“This way, our people do not have to repeat data capture processes during the passport enrolment phase when they have a valid NIN.
He explained that data harmonization will drastically cut down on stress for the people as well as overhead costs on the part of the government.
“When we harmonize our data, there will be an exchange amongst agencies such that when our people need data for passport or BVN, with their NIN, their data can be pulled out. This will not only save us stress, cost, and energy but also help us optimize our processes.”
Tunji-Ojo emphasized the importance of consolidating data related to driver’s licenses, passports, Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), National Identity Numbers (NIN), Subscribers Identity Modules (SIM), and other relevant information into digital chips. This integration, he argued, would facilitate more efficient planning and execution of government initiatives aimed at accelerating development.
He also highlighted the potential of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), an agency under the ministry, to transform the landscape by establishing a single point of data entry for the country.
Tunji-Ojo underlined the significance of incorporating data from driver’s licenses, passports, Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), National Identity Numbers (NIN), Subscribers Identity Modules (SIM), and other important documents into digital chips. He suggested that this integration would allow more efficient planning and execution of government activities targeted at supporting the country’s development.
He highlighted the potential of the ministry’s National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to redefine the landscape by establishing a single point of data entry for the country.