The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has launched its first-ever nationwide capacity-building initiative, engaging all 3,785 staff members across the country. According to a statement released on Saturday, the programme is being conducted simultaneously across states and local government areas, cutting across all cadres of the commission’s workforce.
The commission described the exercise as a “historic milestone,” noting that never in its history had its entire staff participated in a training programme at the same time. This development follows a directive from President Bola Tinubu, who tasked Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) with prioritising staff training to strengthen efficiency in public service delivery.
“Historically, in a first-of-its-kind initiative in the annals of the National Identity Management Commission, all 3,785 staff members have embarked on capacity building across all departments and units in line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu on staff training across MDAs,” the statement said.
Until recently, NIMC’s training opportunities were described as “minimal,” with staff development receiving limited attention. However, this trend shifted following the appointment of Dr Abisoye Coker-Odusote as Director-General. Since assuming office, she has prioritised capacity-building while also introducing measures to improve staff welfare and operational efficiency.
Her reforms include the deployment of over 2,500 enrolment devices to strengthen the commission’s data-capturing capabilities, the implementation of a 25 to 35 per cent salary increase following federal approval, and the introduction of extra transport allowances. At the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, free staff buses have also been introduced to ease commuting challenges.
The statement highlighted that staff members across the states and local governments have welcomed the reforms with appreciation. They commended Dr Coker-Odusote for ensuring that training and welfare packages are inclusive, while also providing modern furniture, work tools, and resources to enhance productivity. The commission said these measures have boosted staff morale and fostered a workforce committed to advancing President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Beyond staff welfare, NIMC is also working to strengthen service delivery. In August, the commission unveiled its Service Charter in Abuja, setting a target of improving efficiency by 30 per cent within one year. Represented by the Director of Inspectorate and Enforcement, Mr Elias Okafor, Dr Coker-Odusote explained that the goal is to make Nigeria’s identity management system more efficient, accessible, and user-friendly. The commission aims to cut waiting times for enrolment and card issuance by at least 30 per cent over the next 12 months.
Analysts suggest these reforms could mark a turning point for Nigeria’s identity management system, which has long been plagued by slow services, underfunding, and inadequate training. By investing in staff capacity, improving welfare, and modernising operations, NIMC hopes to build a more motivated and efficient workforce capable of meeting the growing identity needs of Nigeria’s over 200 million citizens.
“The commission remains committed to improving service delivery, strengthening staff capacity, and ensuring that Nigeria’s identity management system becomes a model of efficiency and reliability,” the statement concluded.
For many staff members, the new direction marks the most transformative reforms in NIMC’s history. As one senior official noted, the changes show that “NIMC is not only building a system but also fostering a culture of excellence.
