Tinubu on Linking His Eight-Point Agenda to Digital Identity: A Key to Streamlined Governance

Tinubu Explains the Importance of Digital Identity in His Eight-Point Agenda

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has explained the strategic connection between his administration’s Eight-Point Agenda and Digital Identity Initiatives. According to him, integrating digital identity into governance is essential to streamline service delivery, cut through bureaucratic bottlenecks, and ensure Nigerians benefit directly from government programmes.

During the National Identity Day celebration, held at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Conference Centre in Kado, Abuja, Tinubu emphasized that a well-implemented digital identity system would serve as the backbone for effective government programmes. He highlighted that digital identity is crucial for key initiatives like the farmer incentives programme, the student loan scheme, the National Youth Talent Export Programme, the Renewed Hope City and Estate Housing Initiative, and the Skill-Up Artisans Programme.

Representing the President at the event, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Dr. George Akume, stressed the significance of the theme for this year’s celebration: Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) – Enabling Access to Services. He noted that in today’s world, proving one’s identity is more than a convenience; it is fundamental to socio-economic development.

Digital Identity as the Cornerstone of National Progress

“In the digital age, the ability to prove one’s identity is not just a matter of convenience but a cornerstone for socio-economic progress,” Tinubu noted. He underscored that digital public infrastructure (DPI) plays a critical role in enabling access to services, ranging from healthcare and education to financial inclusion and social welfare.

Tinubu explained that his administration’s Eight-Point Agenda, which includes goals like food security, ending poverty, economic growth, job creation, access to capital, improving security, enhancing the business environment, upholding the rule of law, and fighting corruption, is intricately linked to the success of the country’s digital identity initiatives.

“By leveraging DPI, we can streamline service delivery, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and ensure that government programmes reach the people who need them most,” the President emphasized.

Minister of Interior and NIMC Director General Highlight the Benefits of Digital Identity

Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, celebrated the initiative, saying that digital identity opens up new opportunities for Nigerians to actively participate in and benefit from government programmes. He highlighted that digital identity not only enables better planning for socio-economic programmes but also supports the financial and social development of the country.

Adding to this, NIMC’s Director General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, remarked on the significant progress made in linking digital identity with various sectors. She pointed to successful collaborations with government agencies and private sector players in harmonizing the National Identification Numbers (NIN) with telecommunications and financial institutions. This includes initiatives like the linking of NINs with phone numbers, and the Bank Verification Number (BVN) integration for smoother financial transactions and digital payments.

Coker-Odusote further highlighted how the Student Loan Initiative demonstrates the impact of DPI on education access. She revealed that 332,715 students have registered for loans through the initiative, with over 18,000 students already receiving their payments.

A Vision for an Efficient Future

The President’s vision of linking digital identity to his administration’s agenda aligns with broader goals of improving governance, enhancing service delivery, and fostering socio-economic growth. Through this initiative, Tinubu aims to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of their background or location, can fully participate in the nation’s development and reap the benefits of its programmes.