Akuro Tobin, Chairman of Okrika Local Government Area (LGA) in Rivers State, has directed councillors and Community Development Committee (CDC) chairmen to collaborate closely with officials of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
The directive came during a meeting at the Council Secretariat Multipurpose Hall, where Tobin addressed councillors, ward chairmen, and NIMC representatives, as detailed in a statement posted on the state government website on Thursday night.
Tobin emphasised that the directive aims to ensure the success of the ongoing ward-to-ward National Identification Number (NIN) registration exercise. He highlighted the significance of identity management, noting that NIN registration is a critical national initiative that requires serious commitment.
He urged residents to take advantage of the local enrolment drive, stressing that it would save them the inconvenience and expense of travelling to Port Harcourt for registration.
Tobin also called on NIMC staff to educate residents thoroughly on registration requirements and procedures to ensure a seamless process.
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Supporting this, Engr. Prince Okere, a NIMC official from Abuja, encouraged community leaders to sensitise their constituents fully and highlighted that children are also eligible, as there is no age limit for NIN registration.
Okere explained that the NIN is essential for numerous official processes, including First School Leaving Certificates, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examinations, and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) tests.
He further noted that the NIN is increasingly tied to everyday activities, including bank accounts, driver’s licences, and e-passports. Okere also outlined procedures for correcting details after registration—covering names, phone numbers, and dates of birth—and explained the associated costs.
During an interactive session, Inunuma Isaac of Ward 5 raised concern over not having received his NIN card. Kola Oladiton responded that the NIN slip containing the registration number is the key document for all official purposes.
To ensure the exercise runs smoothly, the Council Secretary, Kwani Oforiokumo, in collaboration with councillors, developed a schedule assigning specific enrolment days to each ward, facilitating an orderly and efficient registration process.
