The Federal Republic of Nigeria has approved the recognition and observance of September 16 of every year as National Identity Day. It is the first country to do so.

 

In recognition of the milestone, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), hosted an event at the International Conference Centre Abuja, FCT. National eAuthentication Limited (NeA), was cordially invited.

 

The occasion officially marked Nigeria joining the global coalition calling for the recognition of September 16 as International Identity Day. The theme of the Day was “Assured Digital Identity For All”.

 

The choice of date, 16 September (16.9) was predetermined as it is in recognition of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16.9 which calls for legal identity for all, including registration of births by 2030.

 

Notable highlights on the day included:

Welcome Remark – Malam Bello I. Gwandu, MFR (Acting Board Chairman)

Keynote Address – Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Gida Mustapha

Unveiling of the Identity Day Emblem – HE. President C-in-C, Federal Republic of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari

Vote of Thanks – Engr.Aliyu A. Aziz, Director General and Chief Executive Officer, NIMC.

 

NeA therefore honored the invitation and joined NIMC to show its support in acknowledging International Identity Day and Nigeria’s first National Identity Day. 

NeA recognizes the importance of Identity Management as a modern tool for national development, social cohesion, proper planning, governance and efficient service delivery.

 

Given the nature of the Diaspora NIN Enrolment Exercise, NeA is a key stakeholder in the coalition, as NIN plays an important role in empowering individuals in the diaspora to exercise and assert their identity fairly and equitably in a modern society via nea.com.ng/diaspora. Other key stakeholders on the day included NIS, NITDA and customs.