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Tinubu Says 126 million Nigerians now captured in National Identity Database

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Tinubu Says 126 million Nigerians now captured in National Identity Database

…30 arrested for operating fake registration centres

By: Michael Mike

President Bola Tinubu has announced that over 126 million Nigerians have been enrolled in the National Identity Database with their National Identity Numbers, NIN.

The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of Federation, Senator George Akume, at the 7th National Day of Identity, organised by the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC held on Tuesday in Abuja, said the government is interested in a Nigeria where every citizen’s identity is recognized, verifiable, and protected, and where no one is left behind in the journey toward development.

The President while lauding the Commission for clearing over 2.5 million backlog records within the past two years. said it was commendable that NIMC succeeded in arresting over 30 fraudulent individuals for setting fake registration centres, stressed that the National Day of Identity is a reminder that in the 21st century, identity is more than just a record. It is the foundation of citizenship, the gateway to opportunity, and the anchor for national security.

He noted that this year’s theme, “Public Key Infrastructure:Backbone to Digital Public Infrastructure,” speaks to a future that is already unfolding. Public Key Infrastructure, or PKI, is not a distant aspiration. It is the

backbone that supports our digital transformation, ensuring that the identity of every Nigerian is secure, trusted, and usable across all platforms.

He added that PKI is central to the integrity of our Digital Public Infrastructure. It provides the secure digital trust upon which all services, including financial transactions,

healthcare, education, agriculture, security, and governance, are built. Without PKI,

digital interactions remain vulnerable. Without PKI, citizens cannot fully trust that

their data and transactions are secure. But with PKI, Nigeria can build an ecosystem

where trust is guaranteed, fraud is reduced, services are streamlined, and every

citizen can engage with government and private institutions with confidence.

President Tinubu expressed delight that the mobile and web self-service applications has processed more than half a million record updates, and deployed over 800 mobile enrolment devices nationwide alongside new territorial offices for better oversight.

Tinubu further assured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to strengthening digital infrastructure and identity management as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said: “Behind this number are workers who can now claim their pensions without fear of fraud. There are students who can now access loans and scholarships with ease. There are farmers who receive targeted incentives that boost productivity and strengthen food security. There are displaced persons and vulnerable groups who now have proof of identity that enables them to benefit from humanitarian support. This is the true power of identity, and this is the progress we celebrate.

“Importantly, this expansion has reached beyond our borders. More than 200 diaspora centres now serve Nigerians abroad, while dedicated enrolment exercises have registered refugees, internally displaced persons, and inmates of correctional facilities. In addition, a disability inclusion policy has been rolled out, training more than 5,000 enrolment agents to better serve persons with disabilities. These efforts demonstrate our commitment to leave no one behind.

“To sustain this growth, the Commission has upgraded its systems. The national database has been expanded from a capacity of 100 million records to 250 million, ensuring that no Nigerian will be excluded as enrolment continues. More than 1,500 enrolment devices are in operation across the country, complemented by over 200 centres established in the diaspora to serve Nigerians abroad. These achievements underscore the seriousness with which we are pursuing universal coverage.

“In addition, NIMC has harmonized and integrated 125 partner agencies, creating a unified ecosystem that reduces duplication, saves costs, and improves service delivery. This includes integration with the Immigration Service for passport issuance, the Federal Inland Revenue Service for tax records, the National Population Commission for birth registration, the National Health Insurance Authority for healthcare enrolment, and UBEC for school records. Working with the NCC, NIMC has enforced the NIN-SIM linkage, which has significantly reduced fraud and enhanced national security.

“Operational excellence has also been prioritized. The Commission has invested in the training of its staff, the provision of modern work tools, the creation of a world-class customer care center, and an ultra-modern audiovisual studio for public engagement. Staff welfare has been improved with the approval and implementation of salary adjustments, promotions for over 2,800 personnel, and the construction and rehabilitation of enrolment centers nationwide.

“At the same time, clampdowns on extortion and phishing sites have safeguarded citizens and protected the integrity of the system. Working with the Police and security agencies, NIMC has arrested over 30 fraudulent operators, shut down illegal centres, and maintained ISO 27001:2022 certification, a global benchmark for data security. The launch of the High Availability Verification Service now ensures 99.9% uptime for identity verification”.

He highlighted the benefits of the National Identity Number (NIN) to include seamless access to government services, improved financial inclusion, enhanced national planning, and strengthened security architecture.

According to him, the NIN has become a vital tool for streamlining social intervention programmes, eliminating ghost beneficiaries, and ensuring that subsidies and welfare reach the right people.

He added that it also facilitates access to banking, telecommunications, healthcare, and education services, while boosting citizens’ participation in the digital economy.

President Tinubu stressed that the integration of the NIN into various sectors would reduce identity fraud, improve revenue collection, and position Nigeria to compete globally in technology-driven development.

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on his part, said: “As a Minister of Interior I commit my Ministry to the steady work of integration. We will continue to modernise our services, expand secure enrolment and verification across government, and ensure that identity driven services are delivered with dignity, protection and predictability.

“The investments we make today in PKI, data centres and secure enrolment will be the collateral for Nigeria’s digital economy tomorrow. They will enable secure cross border commerce, diaspora engagement and global trust in Nigerian credentials.”

The Director General/CEO of NIMC, Engr Abisoye Coker-Odusote in her remarks disclosed that 52 percent of Nigerians in the diaspora have been captured in the National Identity database, while 85 percent of inmates in Nigeria Correctional Centres have also been enrolled.

Coker-Odusote said NIMC infrastructures have been upgraded across the country and outside with over 200 enrolment centres, while about 125 agencies of government and institutions have had the National Identity Numbers harmonised with NIMC. She added that with upgraded infrastructures, NIMC has reduced time spent on NIN enrolment by 49 percent, while extortion of citizens have been eliminated.

She dismissed claims of compromise of NIMC database infrastructures, saying that NIMC systems are the most secure in the country with global standards and practices that prioritised security, trust and integrity.

The event was among others attended by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, Minister of State for Works, Bello Mohammed Goronyo and Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari

Tinubu Says 126 million Nigerians now captured in National Identity Database

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IJAP Affirms INEC Chairman’s Call for End to Courtroom Elections, Reiterates Urgent Reform Agenda

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IJAP Affirms INEC Chairman’s Call for End to Courtroom Elections, Reiterates Urgent Reform Agenda

By: Michael Mike

The Independent Judicial Accountability Panel (IJAP), led by Hon. Justice Adekunle Owoade (Rtd) has commendsed the recent proactive statements made by the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, regarding the need to end the era of endless court battles over election results.

IJAP noted that Professor Amupitan’s emphasis on the necessity for robust legal frameworks, genuine internal democracy within political parties, and his challenge that “Elections must be won at the polling units, not in the courtroom,” is a welcome and highly encouraging statement, stressing that this commitment perfectly aligns with the extensive recommendations developed through its rigorous analysis of post-election justice delivery in Nigeria.

A statement on Wednesday said IJAP’s position, articulated during its 3rd session (September 30 – October 3, 2025), is clear: the current fragility of our electoral process is deeply rooted in the lack of consistency with legal principles of fairness, equity, and compliance with the electoral legal framework.

“We strongly urge the new INEC leadership to immediately prioritise the following critical recommendations made by the Technical Working Group of the Citizens’ Led Engagement on Judicial Accountability in Post-Election Justice Delivery in Nigeria (CLEAP – Justice):

“Pre-election matters should be determined before the election to ensure fairness, prevent multiplicity of actions and enhance election administration.

“The levels of redress for pre-election matters should be reviewed as follows: House of Representatives, Senate, and Governorship elections should have two steps/levels ending at the Court of Appeal, while Presidential pre-election matters should start from Court of Appeal and end at the Supreme Court.

“Primaries not conducted in adherence to INEC regulations & guidelines should be invalidated. Stringent rules and sanctions should determine elevated electoral crimes, and parties should be prohibited from holding public office for five years in case of disqualification.

“INEC Regulations should be separated from the guidelines and gazetted.

“The punishment for electoral offences in the Electoral Act, 2022 (Electoral Act) should be revised to elevate serious offences to a level that disqualifies the political parties and/or candidates from elections.”

IJAP also acknowledged that several bills currently before the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review align with the panel’s reform objectives, demonstrating legislative interest in addressing electoral flaws.

It added that notably, while some progress is reflected in the proposed Electoral Bill 2025, specifically the increase in fines for certain electoral offences, IJAP maintained that this measure is insufficient. The panel strongly reiterated its demand that any revised laws must include the automatic disqualification of candidates and political parties found guilty of serious electoral offences. IJAP emphasized that mere fines are inadequate as a deterrent, especially against deep-pocketed political actors, and that only the threat of direct exclusion can restore integrity to the electoral process.”

IJAP, also in the statement signed by Hon. Justice Adekunle Owoade (rtd), said: “Our independent assessment shows that one key to ending courtroom elections is that INEC should not be a statutory party in election petitions. Professor Amupitan has the unique opportunity to leverage the judiciary’s expertise, as envisioned by IJAP, to institutionalize these reforms. This is the moment for INEC to act decisively and cement its position as a truly independent umpire, safeguarding the will of the people expressed at the polling unit, not the whims of lawyers in the courtroom.”

IJAP Affirms INEC Chairman’s Call for End to Courtroom Elections, Reiterates Urgent Reform Agenda

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Marwa: Challenge of Drug Scourge Remains Monumental, Needs More Work to Be Done

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Marwa: Challenge of Drug Scourge Remains Monumental, Needs More Work to Be Done

…Discloses 45,853 Arrests Made, 8.5m kilogrammes of Drugs Seized, 9,263 Convicted in 30 months

By: Michael Mike

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) has said the challenge of drug scourge in the country still remains monumental and as such there’s need for more work to be done.

Marwa, while disclosing that 45,853 arrested were made, 8.5 million kilogrammes of drugs seized, and 9,263 persons convicted in 30 months, commended officers of the agency for raising the momentum of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking across the country in the past two and a half years of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The commendation was given on Wednesday by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) during a presentation of commendation letters and awards to 220 personnel for outstanding performance in the discharge of their duties and the decoration of 15 senior officers with new higher ranks.

In his remark at the event, Marwa said: “Today, we specifically recognize those who have gone above and beyond. We celebrate those who, despite facing immense danger and relentless temptation, chose the path of integrity, selflessness, and uncompromising adherence to our mandate.

“Your commitment to the renewed hope agenda of the administration of President Tinubu has yielded tremendous results in the past 30 months on our two major planks of drug demand reduction and drug supply reduction, leading to 45,853 arrests; seizure of over 8.5 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs; and conviction of 9,263 offenders; with 26,613 drug users counselled and rehabilitated in our treatment facilities across the country, while a total of 9,848 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities were conducted in schools, work places, markets, motor parks, worship centres and communities among others within the same period.”

The anti-drug czar while noting that he has upheld the tradition of hosting the commendation and awards ceremony in the last four and a half years to appreciate and encourage officers, men and women who have distinguished themselves in the line of duty, said the challenge of the drug scourge still remains monumental and as such there’s need for more work to be done.

“Without mincing words, the challenge we face is monumental. Drug abuse, trafficking, and the associated criminal enterprises represent a direct and existential threat to the social fabric, economic stability, and national security of Nigeria. They fuel crime, corrupt our youth, and provide resources for terrorism and insurgency.

“But for every kilogramme of cocaine intercepted, for every clandestine laboratory dismantled, for every major drug kingpin apprehended, a critical blow is delivered to these criminal networks. These victories, are no doubt the direct result of your dedication.”

He said the reward system he established is to maintain the momentum and keep the workforce in optimal condition—both materially and mentally, while ensuring high morale. “This is why we uphold our tradition of rewarding key virtues: hard work, loyalty, sacrifice, integrity, commitment, honesty, courage, and obedience. In addition to the traditional incentives such as promotions, training, and others (which we continue to work towards), we introduced this reward system: the CCEO Commands Awards and Commendations. This has become one of the primary ways management expresses appreciation for the efforts of the NDLEA workforce.

“If anything, our faith in the reward system has been proven right. Over the past four and a half years, we have witnessed an improvement in both the individual and collective ethos of our workforce. However, let us not forget that each gathering to celebrate and honour our finest efforts serves as a reminder to all officers of this noble agency that there is still much work to be done.

“For decades, we lagged behind, constrained by a lack of resources and limited capacity. Now that we are gaining momentum with increased capacity, we must work to roll back the influence and dismantle the structures put in place by drug cartels, using the full force of the law. In carrying out your duties, it is essential to operate within the parameters of our SOPs. Adhering to these guidelines ensures your protection”, he charged.

He expressed appreciation to local and international partners for believing in the Agency and supporting its efforts. “I cannot proceed without thanking our media partners for their collaboration and partnership in supporting our efforts. I would also like to express our gratitude to UNODC, INL, the UK Border Force, the French government, and the Government of Germany for their invaluable contributions.

“At home, we owe a great deal of thanks to the Senate Committee on Narcotic Drugs and the House Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, who, particularly over the past years, have been immensely supportive and crucial to the growth of the NDLEA as an institution. “Similarly, we extend our gratitude to the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation as well as the Judiciary as an arm of Government. We must also express our deepest thanks to the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. We are where we are today because of the unwavering support we have received from these institutions, and we are optimistic that this support will continue, enabling us to fulfil our mandate of making Nigeria a drug-free country. Finally, we thank Nigerians for embracing the reforms we’ve implemented and for continuing to be one of our strongest partners”, he added

Marwa: Challenge of Drug Scourge Remains Monumental, Needs More Work to Be Done

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Chief of Air Staff vows to build a fearless, intelligent and combat-ready Air Force

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Chief of Air Staff vows to build a fearless, intelligent and combat-ready Air Force

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kyaoka Aneke, on Wednesday delivered a stirring and inspiring address before the Senate, declaring his unwavering commitment to build a “lethal, intelligent and combat-ready” Nigerian Air Force that will defend the nation with precision, discipline and purpose.

Speaking with rare candour and conviction, Aneke said his duty as Air Chief was not just a professional obligation, but a sacred covenant between the Air Force and the Nigerian people.

“As the Chief of the Air Staff, my duties are very clear, direct and simple to secure the lives, liberties and aspirations of Nigerians through the instrument of air power,” he said.

“This is not merely a professional mandate. It is a sacred trust between the Nigerian Air Force and the people we serve.”

Aneke, a battle-tested pilot and strategic thinker, told lawmakers that every decision he makes, every policy he drafts and every mission he authorises will be driven by a single objective to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and preserve peace.

“Every decision I make will be guided by one purpose to protect our people and ensure that the Nigerian Air Force remains the shield of the nation,” he said.

He vowed to transform the Air Force into a force of speed, precision and intelligence capable of overwhelming threats before they emerge.

“If confirmed, I will dedicate myself to building a combat-ready Air Force one that is operationally versatile, disciplined and lethal,” he declared.

“I use the word lethal in a professional sense, because a man running from you will not have the time to sit down and plan. The Nigerian Air Force will respond swiftly, strike precisely and act intelligently across the full spectrum of military operations.”

Aneke said his vision was anchored on training, technology, safety and strategic innovation, noting that true military power is not measured by brute force but by superior intellect and adaptability.

“When you find yourself in a battle, it is not the strength you have that matters. It is the brain you have that solves the problem,” he said.
“We must use technology wisely and meet our adversaries with intelligence, not just strength.”

The Air Chief, known for his pragmatic leadership style, pledged to deepen inter-agency synergy, especially with the Navy and Army, to ensure unified and effective operations.

“I have served with the Navy and seen firsthand the challenges of joint operations. I will energise and strengthen collaboration among all the services. Together, we will fight as one force for one nation,” he said.

On the question of funding, Aneke offered a blunt but insightful reminder about the real cost of national security.

Aviation is a very expensive business,” he told the senators. You may hear N1.2 billion and think it is a lot, but in the aviation environment, that is like a spoon fetching from the ocean. To train one pilot or fire one missile costs tens of thousands of dollars and we do this every day.”

He appealed for sustained legislative support, insisting that national defence must never be compromised by budgetary hesitation.

“The Armed Forces is that part of government which you must spend money on and hope not to use,” he said.

“If you do not have it, you are a chicken waiting for the hawk. But if you have it, you can look anyone in the face and defend your country with pride.”

Drawing from his experience flying alongside top airmen in the United States and across the world, Aneke said Nigerian officers command respect globally for their professionalism, discipline and intellect.

“I have flown with Americans and officers from other nations. They respect us. A Nigerian is a proud person anywhere in the world all we need is support,” he said.

He concluded his address with an impassioned pledge to the nation:

“I will lead an Air Force that is fearless in the face of danger, relentless in the pursuit of excellence, and uncompromising in the defence of our homeland. We will make Nigeria proud.”

The Senate applauded Aneke’s vision, describing his words as both inspiring and reassuring a reflection of renewed determination within the Nigerian Air Force to defend the nation with courage, intelligence and strength.

Chief of Air Staff vows to build a fearless, intelligent and combat-ready Air Force

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