In two months, Nigerians will begin utilising the services of the proposed three-in-one identity card, the National Identity Management Commission has confirmed.

It said the single multipurpose card combining multiple functions of identity, financial and social services will be made available to citizens across the country by August this year.

A high-ranking member of the implementation team, who asked not to be named, disclosed the new information during an exclusive interview with Saturday PUNCH on Friday.

The official stated that the commission had been working tirelessly to meet its goals, adding that the plan remains on track and would be launched in the upcoming months.

He also disclosed that the commission has begun the testing and deployment stage.

The official said, “We actually plan for July although there have been a few delays but we are still hopeful that it would come in July. So we are hoping to get it done between July and August. We are still on plan and if there is any shift, the public will know.”

The official added, “When you are deploying a new technology, there is a lot of work to be done, you need to configure the card, enable the outlet, and enable the wallet to work. We also have to do tests and that is what is ongoing.

“The deployment is ongoing, the portal that people need to access the service has to be deployed, and we have to make sure that it is scaleable and those are the ongoing works.

“There are integrations that all the banks need to do to enable the card and all of those little details are ongoing. We have that target and we are working extra hard to make sure that we achieve that.”

On Friday, April 5, 2024, the NIMC announced that it had launched a new card layered with payment capabilities and social service features in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System.

It explained that the identity solution was equipped with payment capability for all types of social and financial services.

According to a statement issued, the initiative represents a collaborative effort to offer increased options for domestic consumers while fostering the delivery of services in a more innovative, cost-effective, and competitive manner.

The identity cards will include a bank-enabled National ID card, a social intervention card, and an optional ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card.

The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the permanent forfeiture of properties worth over N11.14 billion and N1.04 billion belonging to the former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele to the Federal Government.

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke issued the final forfeiture order after considering a motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, represented by counsel Chineye Okezie on Friday.

The judge said, “Having carefully considered the application and submission of counsel, it is hereby ordered as follows: – that a final forfeiture order of this honourable court is hereby made forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria, properties contained in Schedule A herein which were traced and reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.”

The property included shops and apartments at Cadastral Zone Maitama and Wuse.

Aneke said, “A final forfeiture order of this Honourable Court is, hereby, made forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria, properties contained in Schedule B herein which properties were traced to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.”

The property included lands and apartments which were paid for on behalf of Oluwaseun at a total value of N1.04 billion.

Obayemi Oluwaseun Teben and Akomolafe Adebayo working with Olubunmi Makinde “used their positions and Influence as CBN staff to secure retail and Special allocation of Foreign Exchange to different companies in exchange for kickbacks, according to the affidavit.

“That OLUBUNMI MAKINDE is the link between OBAYEMI OLUWASEUN TEBEN and AKOMOLAFE ADEBAYO and the various companies applying for the purchase of foreign exchange.

“That OBAYEMI OLUWASEUN TEBEN and AKOMOLAFE ADEBAYO as staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria have access to the bidding processes and bidding Data of companies who have applied for the approval of form Ms to the CBN through their various commercial banks.”

Aneke on June 5, 2024, granted an interim forfeiture following a motion by EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo.

Oyedepo told the court that Emefiele was suspected of purchasing the choice properties by proxy using proceeds from fraud.

He also identified two current and one former CBN staff as Emefiele’s accomplices in the alleged fraud.

According to the affidavit filed in support of the application, the accomplices are Obayemi Oluwaseun Teben, Akomolafe Adebayo, and former CBN staff Olubunmi Makinde, among others.

The properties are primarily located in upscale areas of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The judge directed the EFCC to publish the order in a national newspaper, inviting any interested parties to show cause why the final forfeiture order should not be issued.

The judge then scheduled a hearing for the motion for final forfeiture.

On June 21, no party appeared in court to contest the interim order. Consequently, Chineye Okezie moved forward with her motion for permanent forfeiture.

After reviewing a 41-paragraph affidavit by EFCC Investigating Officer Michael John Idoko, along with 19 attached exhibits and a written address signed by Okezie, Justice Aneke granted the application for permanent forfeiture.

The judge directed the EFCC to publish the order in a national newspaper, inviting any interested parties to show cause why the final forfeiture order should not be issued.

The judge then scheduled a hearing for the motion for final forfeiture.

On June 21, no party appeared in court to contest the interim order. Consequently, Chineye Okezie moved forward with her motion for permanent forfeiture.

After reviewing a 41-paragraph affidavit by EFCC Investigating Officer Michael John Idoko, along with 19 attached exhibits and a written address signed by Okezie, Justice Aneke granted the application for permanent forfeiture.

The EFCC listed the properties in two schedules, A and B.

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has warned Nigerians against the activities of some unauthorised websites harvesting people’s data

The websites are idfinder.com.ng, Verify.ng, championtech.com.ng, trustyonline.com, and anyverify.com.

The NIMC gave the warning in a statement signed by Kayode Adegoke, its head of corporate communications, on Saturday.

On June 20, Paradigm Initiative, a pan-African social enterprise, raised alarm over its discovery of the sale of national identification numbers (NINs), bank verification numbers (BVNs), and other personal data of Nigerians on a website for as low as N100.

According to the organisation, a website known as ‘AnyVerify.com.ng’ was discovered to be involved in the commercial distribution of personal and private data of Nigerians.

Paradigm Initiative added that several unauthorised websites are claiming to hold and provide access to sensitive personal and financial data of Nigerian citizens “for as little as 100 Naira”.

“This alarming development presents a major breach of the fundamental rights to privacy, a breach of data privacy rights, and poses significant risks to individuals and the national economy,” the firm said.

Reacting to the report, the commission said AnyVerify.com.ng and other aforementioned websites are data harvesters and unauthorised to access or manage sensitive data.

The agency also denied the exposure of sensitive data of Nigerians “as alleged and reported”.

“The commission, at this moment, assures the public that the data of Nigerians has not been compromised, and the Commission have not authorised any website or entity to sell or misuse the National Identification Number (NIN) amongst all the identities stated in the report,” NIMC said.

“NIMC urges the public to disregard any claims or services these websites offer and should not give their data as they are potentially fraudulent and data provided by the public on such websites are gathered and stored to build the data services they illegally provide.

“Consequently, the public should know that the commission has taken robust measures to safeguard the nation’s database from cyber threats- a secure, world-class, full-proof database is in place.

“The commission’s infrastructure meets the stringent ISO 27001:2013 information security management system standard, with annual recertification and strict compliance with the Nigerian Data Protection Law.”

NIMC also advised Nigerians to avoid giving their data to unauthorised and phishing sites, stressing that licensed partners or vendors are not authorised to scan or store NIN slips but to verify them through approved channels.

“This poses the danger of data harvesting and comprises individual data,” the commission added.

“The Commission reaffirms its commitment to upholding ethical standards in data protection in line with federal government directives and data privacy regulations.”

NIMC also said it is currently working closely with security operatives to apprehend elements masquerading as online vendors, and make them face the full wrath of the law.

The agency urged the public to remain vigilant against false information and rely on verified sources for accurate updates.

A palpable wave of optimism is sweeping across the Niger Delta region. The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), long beleaguered by underfunding, is embracing an ambitious new vision for the future, promising a transformative era for the oil-rich yet relatively underdeveloped region.

At the heart of this renewed hope is the recently approved ₦1.911 trillion budget for 2024, aptly named the “Budget of Renewed Hope.” This unprecedented financial commitment, coupled with a strategic vision and innovative partnerships, marks a turning point for the NDDC and the communities it serves.

“This budget is more than just numbers,” declares NDDC Chairman Chiedu Ebie, a seasoned administrator deeply familiar with the region’s complexities. “It represents a renewed commitment to the people of the Niger Delta, a pledge to deliver tangible results, and a recognition of the urgent need for sustainable development.”

The NDDC’s Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, a renowned development activist and public policy expert, echoes this sentiment. “We are embracing a holistic approach to development,” he explains, “one that not only addresses physical infrastructure but also invests in human capital, social well-being, and environmental sustainability.”

This holistic approach is evident in the NDDC’s multifaceted strategy. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are being pursued to leverage private sector expertise and resources, accelerating infrastructure development, particularly in the crucial transportation sector. Investments in modern road networks, bridges, and ports are expected to unlock the region’s economic potential, facilitating trade, tourism, and overall growth.

To further fuel this development, the NDDC is exploring innovative financing mechanisms, notably a bold plan to secure a ₦1 trillion loan to fund 1,006 high-impact projects across the Niger Delta. These projects are not only expected to address critical infrastructure needs but also stimulate economic activity, creating jobs, boosting local businesses, and improving the quality of life for millions.

This strategic approach has garnered support from high-ranking officials. Senate President Godswill Akpabio recently commended the NDDC for its recent achievements, citing the completion of major projects like the 27.5-kilometre Ogbia-Nembe Road with its five bridges, the 6-kilometre Ibeno Road and its 600-meter bridge, and the Okitipupa Substation that now powers five local government areas and 2,000 communities. These projects exemplify the NDDC’s commitment to tangible, impactful development.

Beyond infrastructure, the NDDC’s vision encompasses a broad spectrum of initiatives. It is investing in education, constructing and rehabilitating schools and hostels, and awarding scholarships to foster human capital development. It is also prioritizing healthcare, upgrading facilities, providing free medical outreach, and administering vaccines. In addition, the commission is promoting environmental sustainability through initiatives like the installation of 56,786 solar streetlights.

The NDDC’s commitment to the region’s development is not just about financial allocations and project implementation; it is a paradigm shift in how the commission envisions its role. It is a commitment to collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development that puts the needs of the people at the forefront. This is evident in the commission’s emphasis on transparency and accountability, its detailed budget breakdown, and its commitment to regularly monitoring and evaluating project progress.

The “Budget of Renewed Hope” is more than a financial document; it is a symbol of the NDDC’s steadfast commitment to the people of the Niger Delta. It represents a new dawn for the region and a promise of a brighter future. With a clear vision, a dedicated team, and a multi-faceted strategy for mobilizing resources, the NDDC is poised to deliver on its promises and transform the Niger Delta into a model of inclusive and sustainable development.

The road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, but the potential rewards are immense. As the NDDC embarks on this ambitious journey, it carries with it the hopes and dreams of millions who yearn for a better life. The world is watching, and the Niger Delta is ready for its renewed hope.

Written by

Pius Ughakpoteni
Director, Corporate Affairs

Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, says that the Commission will leverage technology to upgrade all its operations in the quest to transform the Niger Delta Region.

Ogbuku noted this during a three-day Capacity Building and Retreat for the staff of the NDDC Directorate of Finance and Supply in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State stressed the need to deploy technology as it continued to reposition the Commission for greater effectiveness and better service delivery.

In a statement on Saturday signed by Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni noted that the NDDC Chief Executive Officer also underscored the importance of strong internal mechanisms to check overbearing external influences in the Commission’s operations and processes, stating that it was necessary to ensure continuous fiscal transparency and accountability.

Ogbuku emphasized on the centrality of finance and supply in the activities the NDDC, stating that the operations of the Directorate would be progressively automated to enhance effectiveness and improve public dealings with the Commission, including remote access to status of payments in order to promote transparency.

He advised the finance personnel against being careless with documentation in the discharge of their duties as accounting officers and auditors of the Commission, noting that proper documentation was critical in all transactions.

He said further: “This retreat should address major concerns facing the Commission, such as the huge debt burden facing us and come up with salient recommendations and key action points.”

Speaking earlier, the Director, Finance and Supply, Mrs. Kunemofa Asu, stated that training was crucial in upscaling the NDDC’s management processes to enhance efficiency and accountability in service delivery to the people of the Niger Delta Region.

She said that the annual retreat, which had the theme: “The Role of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, in the attainment of the Renewed Hope Agenda: The Directorate of Finance and Supply as a Case Study,” was designed to chart a new path for the overall development of the Niger Delta Region.

Kunemofa Asu noted: “Training is an indispensable component of our professional growth and organisational success. It is an opportunity to strengthen our skills and learn new ones, helping to boost individual performance in the discharge of our duties as staff of the Finance and Supply Directorate of NDDC.”

Presenting a paper entitled: “The Niger Delta Development Commission, as an Interventionist Agency; The Journey So Far,” one of the resource persons, Mr. Uche Ejiofor observed that the NDDC Act identified the oil companies as critical partners in the Commission’s financial sustainability. He, therefore, advised the Commission to review its strategies to maximise the contributions of the oil companies to its funding.