Steering the digital future of Nigeria: the case for NIMC’s status quo

Idris Alubankudi Saliu, former CTO of Interswitch Group and the co-founder of Ceviant Finance, submitted this visitor article to TechCabal.

As the age of digital transformation gathers tempo, Nigeria stands at a vital crossroads. Central to this transformation is the function of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). With the current transition of the NIMC to the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, it’s important to know the multifaceted causes to keep up this new alignment and why it provides the finest prospects for a Digital Nigeria.

1. A Unified Vision: President Muhammadu Buhari’s choice to maneuver the NIMC beneath the Ministry was not arbitrary. His imaginative and prescient of the NIMC as a cornerstone for the targets of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) displays a want for unity of objective. Housing the NIMC inside this ministry consolidates efforts and streamlines the method to reaching a digital financial system.

2. Efficient Monitoring & Coordination: The transition guarantees a strengthened synergy, fostering an efficient supervisory mechanism. This built-in framework higher positions the authorities to observe, observe, and speed up its digital transformation initiatives.

3. Addressing Past Inefficiencies: While the NIMC has confronted criticism for perceived inefficiencies, its new placement inside the Ministry offers introspection and restructuring alternatives. Lessons from the previous can information future initiatives, making certain smoother roll-outs and public adoption.

4. Capitalizing on Existing Momentum: With current milestones and digital identification, momentum is constructing. Shifting the NIMC’s positioning once more might disrupt this momentum, probably stalling or reversing progress.

5. Optimizing Data Integration: The ambition to combine various knowledge sources, from BVN to driver’s licenses, right into a cohesive id framework necessitates a centered, unified method. With its digital-first agenda, the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy is finest poised to supervise this integration.

6. Rebuilding Public Trust: In the wake of challenges, resembling knowledge mismatches in the NIMC cellular app, it’s essential to rebuild public belief. Consistency in management and course can play a pivotal function on this regard. Constantly altering the NIMC’s alignment would possibly breed additional skepticism.

7. Leveraging Synergies for Innovation: The Ministry is a hub for digital innovation. By holding the NIMC beneath its aegis, there’s a possibility to harness technological developments and improvements, propelling the NIMC’s providers into the future.

Given these issues, the NIMC’s present positioning inside the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy provides a strategic benefit in realizing Nigeria’s digital ambitions. It’s a mix of consolidated imaginative and prescient, environment friendly oversight, and a possibility for rejuvenation. It is crucial, now greater than ever, to stay steadfast and harness the potential of this alignment. A unified, coherent method can pave the manner for a genuinely digitized Nigeria, making certain that each citizen is not only a quantity however an integral half of the nation’s digital narrative.