The Federal Government had a target of increasing the identity database of Nigerians from 28 million to 70 million, President Muhammadu Buhari, announced on Tuesday.
According to Buhari, the harmonization of identity schemes in the country by the National Identity Management Commission had led to a significant increase in the database of citizens across the country, adding that the government had a target of growing the figure to 70 million by December 2019.
He said, “Through the process of harmonisation of identity schemes in Nigeria, the NIMC grew the database from seven million to 14 million by 2016, and from 14 million to 28 million in 2017. Our target is to grow the database to 50 million by December 2018 and subsequently 70 million by December 2019.
“The importance of the confidentiality of data inherent in the identity management system cannot be overemphasised. We must therefore ensure absolute integrity and security of this information. As a nation of over 180 million people, it is important that we develop an integrated and connected system to ascertain that an individual is truly who he claims to be.”
The President’s speech was read at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.
Buhari told participants at the conference that the Federal Government had recognised the need to have a single identification number system for Nigerian citizens.