Tinubu’s NIN initiative drives rural inclusion, security – Amgbare

Ebitimi Amgbare, Managing Director/CEO of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), has described President Bola Tinubu’s directive on community-driven National Identification Number (NIN) registration as development-focused.

He made this known when Eric Obi, Bayelsa State Coordinator of the National Identification Management Commission (NIMC), paid him a visit at the NDBDA Hadquarters in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

Amgbare said the initiative would take the NIN registration beyond traditional centers, reaching rural and underserved populations in all 774 Local Government Areas.

He noted that by taking the registration exercise to the ward level, more people could obtain their National Identification Numbers, adding that the decentralised registration exercise would further enhance national security and identity verification.

“This community-driven NIN registration exercise aims to increase accessibility and inclusivity, especially for rural and underserved populations. This fresh move aligns with the “Renewed Hope” agenda, aiming to decentralize registration, boost national security, and increase grassroots inclusion.

“The NIN Registration centres will now be closer to communities, reducing travel distances and making it easier for people to register.

“The goal of the presidential directive is to collect comprehensive data, enhance security, prevent illegal registration, and strengthen national identification,” Amgbare said.

Obi had earlier briefed Amgbare on the need for key stakeholders to sensitise rural communities on the essence of the registration, adding that the initiative targets rural and underserved areas, ensuring more Nigerians are part of the national identity system.

He said accurate data collection would help prevent identity fraud and strengthen national security, adding that a comprehensive database would facilitate more efficient government services and social interventions.

Obi noted that the initiative is seen as a step towards achieving the “Renewed Hope” agenda, focusing on grassroots development and national growth.

He added that the NIN exercise is free of charge for all citizens and legal residents, including children and adults.

Obi was accompanied by Udeme Okon, Head of Performance Management System; Douglas Tamunoemi, Head, Inspectorate and Enforcement Unit, and Jato Selekezei, Supervisor, State Office/Head of operations.

Mary Alagoa, Executive Director, Finance amd Admin; Felix Kurogha, Executive Director, Agricultural Services, and Nnamdi Akani, Executive Director, Planning, Investigation & Design were also in attendance.