ALGON, NULGE back LG integration into identity management

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria and the National Union of Local Government Employees have declared support for the inclusion of local governments in the national identity management system.

A former Postmaster General and ex-chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Postal Service, Bisi Adegbuyi, recently called on the Federal Government to incorporate local governments into Nigeria’s identity management framework to improve efficiency and extend coverage across the country.

 In his view, local governments are the “missing link” in Nigeria’s current identity management system.

Adegbuyi stated that their integration into the national identity framework would fast-track progress toward achieving universal identity coverage in Nigeria.

Both ALGON and NULGE agreed with Adegbuyi that the integration of local governments into the identity management system would not only improve governance but also ensure that the most accurate and inclusive data is gathered for national development.

Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, the NULGE President, Hakeem Ambali, endorsed Adegbuyi’s proposal, describing it as “timely and in line with global best practices.”

Ambali gave the example of the United Kingdom where counties (local governments) are responsible for issuing driving licences, as a model Nigeria could adopt.

He said, “The data required for effective planning and implementation must come from local governments. Local governments must be allowed to conduct their census to register indigenous people in collaboration with NIMC. This would ensure accurate and reliable data for national development.”

Ambali highlighted the importance of empowering local governments to carry out social surveys and maintain a comprehensive social register, emphasising that they are the closest to the people, especially the most vulnerable in society.

“Local governments are the backbone of the nation’s social structure. Strengthening them is key to getting it right in Nigeria,” he said.

Similarly, the Secretary-General of ALGON, Mohammed Abubakar, said addressing the matter was a matter of national security and public importance.

According to Abubakar, local governments have the necessary manpower to handle the task effectively because they are familiar with their communities and understand local dynamics.

He stated, “The local government is in a better position to manage addressing systems because they know the people and the locations where they reside. If we are serious about improving our identity management system, local governments must be allowed to take charge of this aspect.”

PUNCH

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