NPC, NIMC meet to fast-track harmonization of biometric database:
ABUJA – The National Population Commission (NPC) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) on Monday kicked off the harmonization and integration process of biometric database as directed by the federal government.
Recently, President Muhammadu Buhari gave directive to Ministry, Department and Agencies, (MDAs) to harmonize the collection and usage of biometric data instead of replicating efforts. Consequently, the two agencies at a maiden meeting in Abuja resolved to reach out to other agencies involved in biometric data collection to collectively look the problem holistically with a view of taking pragmatic approach to solve it. Speaking at the meeting, the Director General of NIMC, Bar. Chris Onyemenam blamed the current situation on biometric data collection in the country on legislation. He maintained that to have a central identity database repository, there must be a robust vital registration process, adding that that was where the NPC became more relevant. NIMC Boss concurred with the NPC Chairman, Chief Eze Duruiheoma to have a solid framework with other relevant agencies on the harmonization, suggesting them to look into the past efforts of NIMC to have one national database. Responding, Duruiheoma noted that the meeting will “enhance NIMC’s capacity to provide citizen identity solutions for all MDAs and private sector organizations for persons at age of 16 years and above.” Reacting to suggestions that the registration of births and deaths be transferred to states, NPC Boss explained that this would be counter-productive. “The commission appreciates the immense value the active involvement of state governments will add to the implementation of the vital registration, it will however be counter-productive to make the registration of births and deaths the responsibilities of sub national agencies. “The benefits the nation stand to gain from a virile vital registration programme will be compromised if this important national activity is handled by diverse bodies. It will deny the nation the much needed value,” he said.
Recently, President Muhammadu Buhari gave directive to Ministry, Department and Agencies, (MDAs) to harmonize the collection and usage of biometric data instead of replicating efforts. Consequently, the two agencies at a maiden meeting in Abuja resolved to reach out to other agencies involved in biometric data collection to collectively look the problem holistically with a view of taking pragmatic approach to solve it. Speaking at the meeting, the Director General of NIMC, Bar. Chris Onyemenam blamed the current situation on biometric data collection in the country on legislation. He maintained that to have a central identity database repository, there must be a robust vital registration process, adding that that was where the NPC became more relevant. NIMC Boss concurred with the NPC Chairman, Chief Eze Duruiheoma to have a solid framework with other relevant agencies on the harmonization, suggesting them to look into the past efforts of NIMC to have one national database. Responding, Duruiheoma noted that the meeting will “enhance NIMC’s capacity to provide citizen identity solutions for all MDAs and private sector organizations for persons at age of 16 years and above.” Reacting to suggestions that the registration of births and deaths be transferred to states, NPC Boss explained that this would be counter-productive. “The commission appreciates the immense value the active involvement of state governments will add to the implementation of the vital registration, it will however be counter-productive to make the registration of births and deaths the responsibilities of sub national agencies. “The benefits the nation stand to gain from a virile vital registration programme will be compromised if this important national activity is handled by diverse bodies. It will deny the nation the much needed value,” he said.
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