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Partnership aims to strengthen financial inclusion and secure digital identity for millions.
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has greenlit FIC Professionals Network Plc, a leading stakeholder-owned organization in Nigeria’s financial inclusion ecosystem, to participate in the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Ecosystem Enrolment Service. This approval, formalized via a letter dated January 23, 2025, and signed by NIMC’s Director-General/CEO, Mrs. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, positions FIC as a critical player in the federal government’s ambitious plan to provide secure digital identities for all Nigerians.
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Strategic Alignment with Financial Inclusion Goals
FIC’s inclusion follows its recent collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) to launch the Agency Banking Certification (ABC) Programme, a training initiative designed to certify professionals in financial inclusion strategies. The company’s expertise in bridging gaps in Nigeria’s financial services sector aligns with the ID4D project’s mission to empower citizens through verifiable digital identities, enabling access to essential services like banking, healthcare, and government subsidies.
NIMC’s ID4D Project: A National Transformation Agenda
The Nigeria Digital ID4D Project, funded by the World Bank and other global partners, aims to issue over 200 million Nigerians a robust digital identity by 2030. This initiative seeks to:
- Enhance Governance: Streamline service delivery and reduce identity fraud.
- Boost Economic Participation: Enable marginalized groups to access financial services.
- Drive Digital Economy Growth: Create a foundation for e-governance and digital innovation.
FIC’s Role in Scaling Enrollment
As an approved enrollment partner, FIC will leverage its nationwide network of certified agents and fintech infrastructure to accelerate ID registrations, particularly in underserved rural and urban communities. The company’s ABC-certified agents are expected to play a pivotal role in educating citizens on the benefits of digital ID adoption while ensuring data privacy compliance.
Statement from NIMC Leadership
In the approval letter, Mrs. Coker-Odusote emphasized FIC’s “proven track record in advancing financial inclusion and adherence to NIMC’s stringent technical and operational standards.” She added, “This collaboration underscores our commitment to inclusive, private sector-driven solutions for achieving universal digital identity coverage.”
FIC’s Vision for Digital Identity
A spokesperson for FIC Professionals Network stated: “Joining the ID4D ecosystem allows us to integrate digital identity solutions with financial services, unlocking opportunities for millions of unbanked Nigerians. This aligns with our mission to democratize access to economic tools and drive sustainable development.”
Why This Matters
- Financial Inclusion Synergy: Digital IDs will simplify KYC processes, lowering barriers to banking access.
- Economic Impact: Secure identities reduce fraud risks, attracting foreign investments.
- Global Benchmark: Nigeria’s ID4D project mirrors successful models in India (Aadhaar) and Kenya (Huduma Namba).
