Amid a series of data breach allegations, Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, Abisoye Coker-Odusote has reassured the public that robust measures are being implemented to protect the nation’s database from cyber threats.
The DG also said the NIMC’s infrastructure adheres to the stringent ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management System Standard, ensuring that the highest standards of data protection are maintained.
She stated this during a two-day roundtable with publishers of online newspapers in Nigeria, held in Abuja noting that cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and real-time monitoring systems are in place to protect the database.
Coker-Odusote, who emphasized the influence of online media in the digital age, however, decried the abuse of the media, which is fast becoming a breeding grounds for misinformation and rumors, which can severely impact the reputation and trust in organizations.
“Our focus today is to address the dual role of online publishers – as key partners in disseminating accurate information and as potential sources of misconceptions.
“We recognize that while you have the power to amplify our successes, there is also the potential for misunderstandings that can spread rapidly.
“This Roundtable aims to forge a partnership that leverages your strengths to support our mission while ensuring that any misconceptions are promptly and accurately addressed.
“It will create a platform for NIMC to explain our activities and achievements directly to you, ensuring clear communication and mutual understanding.
“The mandate of NIMC is ambitious, yet crucial. Achieving these goals requires effective mobilization of citizens through strategic communication,” she said.
The DG disclosed that to ensure transparency, the commission have instituted robust mechanisms for participation, grievance redress, and regular monitoring to enhance operational performance and mitigate social risks, which according to her include, a centralized grievance register, a contact center, and multiple channels for submitting complaints.
She underscored the crucial role of online publishers in educating the public about the activities of the commission.
“As publishers of online newspapers, you are at the forefront of this effort. Your platforms are instrumental in educating the public about our activities, operations, and the benefits of a robust national identity management system.
“We are also deliberate about establishing a relationship that will help prevent misinformation about NIMC’s activities and clear up any existing misconceptions, thereby maintaining public trust.
“It is expected that this meeting will identify sustainable strategic activities and engagements that will effectively promote our goals,” she added.
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Coker-Odusote appreciated the online publishers for all the support so far, and assured of taking steps towards deepening engagements with the online newspaper publishers.
Also, the Coordinator, Project Implementation Unit, Nigeria Digital ID4D project, Mrs. Tito Ejenavi disclosed that the project is a collaborative effort, jointly funded by the World Bank, the European Investment Bank, and the French Development Agency, with an objective to increase the number of persons with a National Identity Number, NIN, through a robust and inclusive foundational identity system that enables access to services.
She noted that identity systems have frequently marginalized certain groups due to logistical challenges and social stigmas, particularly impacting women and persons with disabilities.
However, the trend, according to her is reversed by ensuring that “our ID system is inclusive, equitable, and accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of their socio-economic status, gender, or physical abilities.
“The foundational ID system that NIMC is building is not just about numbers; it’s about people and their access to rights and services.
“By strengthening our national identity infrastructure, we aim to bolster Nigeria’s digital economy, enhance data protection, and close the inclusion gaps that hinder access to identification and related key services,” said Ejenavi.
She equally stressed the importance of the roundtable as a testament to the publisher’s ongoing support for NIMC.
“By engaging with you, the publishers of online newspapers, we aim to strengthen NIMC’s relationship with the digital information gatekeepers.
Your role is strategic and timely, and we believe this engagement will further enhance NIMC’s visibility, communicate the commission’s success stories, build valuable relationships, and counter misinformation,” she added.
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