The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has launched its first-ever nationwide capacity-building programme, covering all 3,785 staff members across Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the commission said the training is being conducted simultaneously in all states and local government areas, cutting across every cadre of its workforce.
The initiative follows a directive by President Bola Tinubu, who instructed Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritise staff development in order to improve 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 of the Commission in line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu on staff capacity building across MDAs,” the statement read.
Until now, training at NIMC had been limited, with development opportunities described as “minimal.” The shift comes under the leadership of the new Director-General, Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, who has introduced reforms aimed at strengthening staff welfare and operational efficiency.
Key measures introduced under her tenure include the distribution of over 2,500 enrolment devices to boost data capture, a 25–35 per cent salary increase for staff following federal approval, additional transport allowances, and free bus services for workers at NIMC headquarters in Abuja.
Beyond staff welfare, the commission has also focused on improving service delivery. Last month, it unveiled its Service Charter in Abuja, targeting a 30 per cent improvement in efficiency within one year, including shorter waiting times for enrolment and card issuance.
Analysts have described the reforms as a potential turning point for Nigeria’s identity management system, which has long been hampered by slow service, poor infrastructure, and undertrained personnel.
With more than 200 million Nigerians depending on NIMC for enrolment, verification, and identity management, the commission said the ongoing reforms are expected to strengthen governance, enhance security, and support economic planning.
