NOA, NIMC Launch Joint Committee for Ward-Level NIN Enrolment

By AL-Kadriyar Abdullahi

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have inaugurated a joint committee to lead a nationwide public awareness campaign ahead of the rollout of ward-level National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment across the country.

Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, NOA Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by the Director of Media and Communication, Bala Musa, said the partnership would significantly expand citizens’ access to the NIN, which he described as vital for national planning, security, social protection and financial inclusion.

A statement on Thursday by the Director of Media, Bala Musa, quotes Issa-Onilu as noting that while operational deployment is critical, strategic and culturally sensitive public engagement will determine the success of the nationwide exercise.

He added that NOA would leverage its 818 offices, over 200 partner radio stations, major television platforms, social media channels and its AI chatbot, CLHEEAN, to ensure widespread sensitisation, especially in underserved and rural communities.

NIMC’s Director of Operations and Team Lead, Uche Chigbo, announced that the Commission will extend enrolment from local government areas to all wards, targeting 95 percent national coverage before the end of the year.

She disclosed that the ward-level exercise will commence on February 16, with licensed partners supporting the Commission to reach the targeted population.

The intensive phase will run for six weeks, dedicating five days to each ward nationwide.

Committee members from NOA include Bala Musa; Adaline Waye, Director of Community Outreach and Development; and Sherifat Adegbesan, Special Assistant to the DG on Intergovernmental Affairs.

The NIMC representatives are Uche Chigbo; James Bura Mamza, Deputy Director/Territorial Director for North Central; Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications; Amen Peter Odia, Head of Protocol; and Ayodele Babalola, Technical Adviser to the DG.