Following an official announcement made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the director-general and CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Aliyu A. Aziz will resign on August 23, 2023, for Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote to take over the reins of the commission.
The announcement brings to an end Aziz’s two successful four-year terms in office to an end.
Aziz’s journey with NIMC began as a pioneer staff in 2007 and he later retired in 2014 as the director of IT/IDD. His appointment as the DG/CEO on November 23, 2015, by President Muhammadu Buhari was a testament to his impressive track record, extensive skillset and industry experience.
During Aziz’s tenure, the National Identification Number (NIN) witnessed remarkable growth, surging from seven million records in 2015 to an impressive count of over 100 million unique records within the National Identity Database. His leadership also saw the approval of updated NIMC conditions of service and a revised salary scale, enhancing the work environment for the commissions over 4000 employees.
Under his guidance, NIMC set up more than 18,000 NIN enrolment centres across Nigeria, a substantial increase from the meagre 700 centers in 2015. NIMC’s influence extended beyond national borders, establishing over 500 centers in around 40 countries worldwide to cater to the diaspora. Moreover, the expansion of the National Identity Database commenced during his tenure and remains an ongoing endeavour.
Concurrently, President Tinubu has designated Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote as the acting DG/CEO of NIMC. Upon the completion of Aziz’s tenure on November 24, 2023, she will assume the role of substantive DG.
A statement issued by the commission’s head of corporate communications, Kayode Adegoke, highlighted Coker-Odusote’s accomplished background in the ICT sector. Her exceptional performance in various leadership roles underscores her ability to effectively steer NIMC’s course.
Aziz’s departure marks the conclusion of a transformative era at NIMC, while Engr. Coker-Odusote’s appointment heralds a new chapter, ensuring the continuity of NIMC’s strategic advancements in the realm of identity management and technological progress.
