By Correspondent in Abuja.
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has granted the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) a license to register inmates in the 256 custodial centers across the country for National Identification Numbers (NIN).
The Acting Controller General of the NCoS, Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, made the request during a visit to the Director General of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, in Abuja on Tuesday.
Nwakuche explained that the license to register inmates for NIN would ensure their inclusion in the country’s national development plans. He emphasized that the initiative would also enhance the safety and security of inmates and aid in their swift recapture during jailbreaks.
The NCoS Acting Controller General highlighted that the visit was part of efforts to foster collaboration with NIMC, enabling the correctional service to carry out its mandate effectively amid ongoing reforms within the system.
“There are significant socio-economic developments within the correctional facilities. Many inmates have earned university degrees, Master’s degrees, and even PhDs across various fields. Such inmates should not be excluded from national development plans, as they have the potential to contribute positively to society,” Nwakuche said.
He also pointed out that there are inmates awaiting trial, whose legal status is yet to be determined by the courts, and argued that they should not be excluded from participation in national planning and other important government processes.
In response, NIMC Director General Coker-Odusote affirmed that obtaining an NIN had become essential for the country’s development. She highlighted that NIMC had worked closely with the private sector, including banks and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to link all bank accounts to the NIN.
She further noted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point agenda was anchored on the country’s digital identity system. Coker-Odusote cited the example of student loans, where NIN is used to eliminate fraud and ghost beneficiaries.
“We are pleased to grant the license and will provide full support to ensure the NCoS can effectively fulfill its mandate,” she stated, expressing enthusiasm for the partnership. She also mentioned that NIMC had previously partnered with other agencies such as the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to facilitate seamless delivery of their respective mandates.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
