Defence Ministry, NIMC Deepen Partnership to Boost National Security Through Digital Identity

The Federal Ministry of Defence has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to strengthen Nigeria’s national security through the effective implementation of the NIMC Act 2026.

The commitment was made by the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, during a meeting with the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, and her management team at the Ship House in Abuja.

According to a statement by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Defence, Leah Katung-Babatunde, General Musa underscored the importance of reliable and integrated data systems in tackling the nation’s evolving security challenges.

He noted that effective security operations rely on accurate identity verification, stressing that intelligence-driven policing and defence require a clear understanding of the identities of individuals both within and outside the system.

The Defence Minister observed that some security threats originate from within the country, making credible and verifiable identity data an essential tool for intelligence gathering, threat detection and national security management.

General Musa assured NIMC of the Ministry’s full support, reaffirming its commitment to collaborating with relevant government agencies to achieve shared national security objectives.

Speaking during the meeting, the Director General of NIMC, Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, said the visit focused on the strategic implementation of the NIMC Act 2026 and the role of digital identity management in strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.

She explained that a robust digital identity system would enhance identity verification, improve intelligence sharing and support more effective defence operations.

Both institutions agreed to deepen their partnership in building a secure, trusted and interoperable digital identity ecosystem aimed at reinforcing national security and improving collaboration among government agencies.