Nigeria to get harmonised citizens’ database
With the recurring security challenges bedeviling the country, the
Nigerian government has set up a committee to collect and harmonise data
on her citizens with the objective of fighting the influx of foreigners
aiding insecurity in the country.
Tagged the ‘Citizen data management and harmonization committee,’ the committee was unveiled by President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja on Tuesday, an official said.
Mr Buhari was, however, in Ethiopia on Tuesday and flew from there directly to Maiduguri on Wednesday, indicating his role in unveiling the committee was done by a representative.
According to a statement by the ministry of interior’s spokesperson,
Mohammed Manga, on Wednesday, the committee would use standard methods
of data collection and would work with different government agencies to
arrive at desired goals.
“It has assured that it would enhance speedy harmonisation of
Nigeria’s numerous citizen identification data held by different
government Ministries, Departments and Agencies with a view to ensuring a
single database owned and managed by the Federal Government,” the
statement read in part.
According to the statement, the Minister of Interior, Rauf
Aregbesola, who doubles as the chairman of the committee, assured that
efforts are in place to fight terrorism as such would leave no stone
unturned in ensuring national security and public safety of Nigerians
and foreigners alike.
According to him, the harmonisation of the database has become
imperative because of the present global security challenges and the
urgent need for Nigeria to join the international community in the fight
against transnational crimes and criminality.
Mr Aregbesola further set up three Sub-Committees (Citizen Data
Management and Harmonization, Central Crime Data Management and
Harmonization, and Limited and Temporary Visa Restrictions) for speedy
and efficient delivery of the presidential mandate as contained in the
terms of reference of the committee.
He urged members to commence the review of the recent limited and
temporary immigrant visa restrictions by the United States of America,
with immediacy.
“Develop and implement systems and processes that will address the
security concerns raised by the US and submit their interim report on or
before February 14, 2020,” the minister said.
Mr Aregbesola thanked the president for granting them the opportunity
to serve the nation and assured that all hands will be on deck to
ensure that the committee carries out its assignment in record time.
Members of the committee present at the inaugural meeting include –
Minister of Interior – Chairman
Minister of Communication and Digital Economy
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
Minister of Police Affairs
Governor of the Central Bank
Inspector General of Police
Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service
Director-General, State Security Services
Director-General, Nigeria Intelligence Agency
Director-General, National Identity Management Commission
Director-General, National Population Commission
Others are –
Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service
Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission
Accountant General of the Federation.
The presidential committee is expected to prepare and submit its final report on or before March 16.
