The Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government has stated that Imo State ranks low in the Southeast region for National Identification Number (NIN) enrollment. This was disclosed by Chimezie Amadi, Commissioner for Digital Economy, during a meeting with Ruby Emele, Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, as part of efforts to address the issue.
Amadi emphasized the need for increased collaboration between the ministries to tackle the low uptake of NIN registrations across the state, especially in rural areas where participation has been particularly low. He stressed that improving enrollment is essential for residents to access various Federal Government Social Investment Programmes.
“Imo State currently has the lowest number of registered citizens with NIN among the five Eastern States. Out of the State’s five million residents, only about 1.5 million have been registered, with 80 percent of those enrolled living in urban areas,” Amadi revealed. He pointed out that limited registration could prevent many residents, especially those in low-income and vulnerable groups, from benefiting from federal programs designed to offer financial support.
To address these concerns, the state government has launched the Imo Digital Identity project, initiated by Governor Hope Uzodinma. The project aims to boost NIN registration across the state, particularly in less-served rural areas. Amadi noted that the initiative will be implemented in partnership with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), which has trained field officers to support the exercise across the 27 local councils of the state.
“It is in response to these challenges and recognizing the state’s financial losses by not fully leveraging on federal loans and social investments that our Governor, Hope Uzodinma initiated the Imo Digital Identity project,” Amadi explained.
In her remarks, Commissioner Emele assured that the Ministry of Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs is fully committed to supporting this initiative. She stated that local government chairmen and community leaders will be engaged to encourage their communities, particularly in rural areas, to participate actively in the registration exercise.
“The rural areas need support, and we are ready to work with you to achieve this shared goal for the benefit of Imo State,” Emele said, expressing her ministry’s readiness to collaborate in ensuring increased enrollment.
