The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have agreed to strengthen collaboration aimed at advancing digital identity to improve governance, boost security, and support ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s mining sector.
Speaking during a meeting with the leadership of NIMC in Abuja, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, described the commission as a key institution in driving effective governance through the use of technology, credible identity systems, and reliable data.
He emphasized that modern governance depends on accurate data and digital identity, noting that the solid minerals sector requires a robust identification system to effectively monitor mining activities, improve transparency, and tackle illegal operations.
According to the minister, stronger collaboration with NIMC will enhance accountability across the mining value chain, improve regulatory oversight, promote investment, and support evidence-based policymaking.
NIMC Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, said the recently enacted NIMC Act has created a stronger legal framework for Nigeria’s digital identity system, opening new opportunities for collaboration with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
She explained that integrating digital identity into the mining sector would improve data sharing among government agencies, strengthen regulatory compliance, enhance security, improve monitoring of mining operators, and support the implementation of Community Development Agreements in host communities.
Coker-Odusote also noted that NIMC’s digital identity infrastructure will help government institutions build more reliable databases, improve public service delivery, and promote greater transparency across public administration.
Both organisations pledged to deepen their partnership through technology-driven initiatives that will reinforce governance, strengthen security, and contribute to the sustainable development of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
The meeting also highlighted the significance of the newly signed NIMC Act 2026, which is expected to accelerate secure identity verification, improve inter-agency data integration, enhance law enforcement, strengthen transparency, and support the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
