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Navigating digital Nigeria's trajectory: the argument for maintaining NIMC's current position

The shift of NIMC to the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy brings meaningful implications, requiring insight into various factors ensuring stability.

Maintaining Nigeria's digital destiny: a strong argument for NIMC's ongoing position
Maintaining Nigeria's digital destiny: a strong argument for NIMC's ongoing position

In a strategic move initiated by President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has been transitioned to the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy. This alignment, which aims to foster an effective supervisory mechanism, is seen as a cornerstone for the objectives of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS).

The current alignment of NIMC within the ministry presents an opportunity for rejuvenation. It offers a chance to introspect and restructure, addressing past perceived inefficiencies within the NIMC. By keeping the NIMC under its aegis, the Ministry can harness technological advancements and innovations, propelling the NIMC's services into the future.

The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy serves as a hub for digital innovation. Leveraging synergies for innovation, this move can pave the way for a genuinely digitized Nigeria. A unified, coherent approach can ensure that every citizen is not just a number but an integral part of the nation's digital narrative.

The integrated framework should better position the government to monitor, track, and accelerate digital transformation initiatives. The Ministry, with the NIMC under its wing, is best poised to oversee the integration of diverse data sources, such as BVN and driver's licenses, into a cohesive identity framework.

However, shifting the NIMC's positioning could disrupt the current momentum built by recent milestones and digital identification. Achieving a digital economy requires steady progress, and it is imperative, now more than ever, to remain steadfast and harness the potential of this alignment.

The NIMC's current positioning within the Ministry offers a strategic advantage in realizing Nigeria's digital ambitions. A unified, coherent approach can pave the way for a digitized Nigeria, ensuring that every citizen is part of the digital narrative. Consistency in leadership and direction can help rebuild public trust, which has been impacted by challenges like data mismatches in the NIMC mobile app.

In conclusion, the alignment of NIMC within the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy presents a significant opportunity. It offers a chance to rejuvenate, innovate, and streamline the approach to achieving a digital economy. By harnessing the potential of this alignment, we can pave the way for a genuinely digitized Nigeria.

This article is a guest contribution from Idris Alubankudi Saliu, former CTO of Interswitch Group and the co-founder of Ceviant Finance.

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