365NEWS gathered that the National Identity Management Commission has granted a licence to the Nigerian Correctional Service to register inmates in the 256 custodial centres nationwide for National Identity Numbers.
The acting Controller-General, Sylvester Nwakuche, made the request during a visit to the NIMC Director-General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Nwakuche stated that the licence to register inmates for the NIN would eliminate their exclusion from the country’s national development plans.
He added that it would also enhance their safety and security, as well as facilitate their recapture in the event of jailbreaks.
The NCoS boss further explained that the visit was aimed at fostering collaboration to enable the Service to carry out its mandate effectively, following ongoing reforms within the Correctional Service system.
“There have been significant socio-economic developments within the Correctional Service system, leading to several inmates obtaining university degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorates in various fields,” he said.
“Such inmates should not be excluded from the national development plans, as they should be integrated into society to become valuable contributors to their families and the country,” Nwakuche added.
He also noted that the correctional centres house individuals awaiting trial, whose innocence or guilt must be determined by the courts. However, he argued that, in matters of national planning, census, and other critical national development issues, these inmates should not be excluded.
In her remarks, the NIMC Director-General emphasised that the NIN had become critical to the country’s national development plans.
She highlighted the commission’s collaboration with the private sector, especially the banks and the Central Bank of Nigeria, as all bank accounts are now linked with the NIN.
She pointed out that President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point agenda was also anchored on the country’s digital identity or NIN.
“For instance, the NIN is tied to student loans to eliminate duplicity and prevent ghost beneficiaries,” she explained.
“We will provide you with the licence and support to ensure the effective implementation of your mandate,” she affirmed.
Coker-Odusote expressed her delight in the partnership with the NCoS, noting that the commission had already formed partnerships with the Nigeria Immigration Service and other agencies, which was essential for the smooth delivery of their constitutional mandates.
NAN
It’s a good idea