Imo ranks low in NIN enrollment – Digital Economy ministry reveals

The Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government has revealed that Imo is among States in the Southeast region with a low record of National Identification Number, NIN, enrollment in the country.

The disclosure was made by the Commissioner in charge of the ministry, Chimezie Amadi when he visited his counterpart Ruby Emele, Commissioner in charge of Local Governments and Chieftaincy affairs in the state.

He said the importance of the meeting was to initiate a partnership with the Ministry of Local Governments, and Chieftaincy Affairs in addressing the low uptake of the National Identity Number, NIN, in the state.

Amadi explained that the upcoming registration exercise is to enrol more residents across the state, particularly in rural areas, where the exercise according to him remains low.

The Commissioner for Digital Economy further revealed that out of 5 million people resident in the state, only 1.5 million have been enrolled in the exercise.

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“Imo State currently has the lowest number of registered citizens with NIN among the five Eastern States. Out of the State’s five million residents, only about 1.5 million have been registered, with 80 percent of those enrolled living in urban areas.” he disclosed.

Amadi emphasized that obtaining the National Identification Number, NIN, is essential for every citizen to access Federal Government Social Investment Programmes, as it ensures transparency and accountability.

He pointed out that many of the initiatives, introduced by the current administration, aim to support low-income and vulnerable populations, stressing that limited participation in the NIN registration process could hinder Imo residents from benefiting fully from the opportunities.

“It is in response to these challenges and recognizing the state’s financial losses by not fully leveraging on federal loans and social investments that our Governor, Hope Uzodinma initiated the Imo Digital Identity project”’ he said.

The exercise, according to him, will be carried out in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, which he said has already trained field officers for deployment across the 27 Local Councils in the State.

In her response, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Emele expressed the readiness of the ministry to collaborate with her counterpart to ensure Imo citizens mostly in the rural areas participate in the exercise.

“The rural areas need support, and we are ready to work with you to achieve this shared goal for the benefit of Imo State,” Emele said.

She assured that the Local Government Chairmen and Community leaders will be engaged to mobilize their communities for the enrollment.