The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have agreed on a strategic partnership to accelerate digital identity inclusion for women, children and vulnerable groups across Nigeria.
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the NIMC management team led by its Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote.
The minister said the collaboration would strengthen service delivery, social protection, financial inclusion and the fight against identity fraud, noting that a robust identity system is critical to Nigeria’s digital economy and governance framework.
“Identity management plays a critical role in protecting women who do business online, ensuring fairness in digital transactions and strengthening confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said.
She described the newly enacted identity management framework as a landmark reform aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that it would enhance the effectiveness of government interventions and ensure benefits reach intended recipients.
According to the minister, women make up the largest segment of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria and increasingly depend on digital platforms, making secure identity systems essential for economic participation.
She also stressed that strong identity management would support the Federal Government’s Universal Child Grant initiative by improving transparency, eliminating abuse and ensuring that eligible beneficiaries are properly captured.
“Every woman deserves an identity that opens doors to opportunities, financial services and social protection. Our vision is to ensure that no woman or child is left behind,” she added.
The minister further highlighted the impact of the Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up, noting its expansion through women-led self-help groups that promote savings, financial inclusion and economic empowerment.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim commended NIMC’s push for a single identity number throughout an individual’s life cycle, describing it as transformative for healthcare, education and access to public services. She also called for stronger collaboration in tackling gender-based violence through improved identity verification and data systems.
Earlier, NIMC Director-General, Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, said the Commission has evolved into Nigeria’s foundational identity authority and a key driver of the country’s Digital Public Infrastructure.
“We are harmonising government databases so that every Nigerian can rely on one trusted identity for accessing services seamlessly, securely and efficiently,” she said.
Coker-Odusote explained that the new legal framework strengthens enforcement against identity fraud while enabling interoperable digital services across government platforms.
She disclosed that NIMC has introduced digital credentials, electronic signatures, digital certificates and free electronic identity cards through its enhanced identity application to expand access to services.
The DG also revealed that the Commission has commenced nationwide ward-level enrolment as directed by President Tinubu to reach underserved communities.
“Our ambition is to ensure that every Nigerian woman is captured in the national identity database before the end of the year. Achieving this requires strong collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs,” she stated.
