Abia Govt Urges NIMC to Collaborate with INEC, Security Agencies for Reliable Data Management

The Chief of Staff to the Abia State Governor, Caleb Ajagba, has called for stronger collaboration between the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and security agencies to improve data accuracy and national planning.

Ajagba made the appeal during a meeting with the Abia State Coordinator of NIMC, Mr. Ukpabi Eni, and his team during their courtesy visit to the Government House in Umuahia.

He emphasized the importance of credible and centralized data systems in solving Nigeria’s long-standing issues, especially in areas like insecurity, electoral fraud, and national planning.

“You can’t plan without accurate data. Data gathering has been a major problem in this country. We don’t even know our exact population — so how can we plan effectively?” Ajagba questioned.

He also stressed the need for more public awareness and stakeholder collaboration to promote the proper use of data and identity systems in governance.

In response, NIMC Coordinator Mr. Ukpabi Eni said the commission values its relationship with the Abia State Government, which he described as a key partner in achieving the commission’s goal of efficient identity management.

Eni explained that the visit aimed to deepen collaboration with state authorities and strengthen efforts to ensure all citizens are captured in the National Identity Number (NIN) system. He also reiterated the critical role of the NIN in development, security, and policy formulation.

Both parties agreed that a united approach to data collection and identity management is essential for building a secure and well-planned Nigeria.