NIMC DG Abisoye Coker-Odusote Honored for Transforming Nigeria’s Digital Identity Sector.
By Raymond Enoch
In a moment of national pride and professional acclaim, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, has been recognized with the Outstanding Performance in Public Service Award at the African Iconic Women Recognition Awards 2025.
This prestigious continental accolade celebrates Dr. Coker-Odusote’s visionary leadership and her groundbreaking work in overhauling Nigeria’s digital identity infrastructure. Her efforts have not only repositioned the NIMC as a key player in Africa’s identity management space but have also ushered in a new era of secure, inclusive, and efficient identity services for Nigerians.
Award organizers described Dr. Coker-Odusote as a beacon of transformational leadership. Her commitment to building a world-class, secure identity database has led to tangible improvements—most notably, a marked increase in the National Identification Number (NIN) enrollment across the country. This surge is a testament to the trust Nigerians are beginning to place in digital identity systems under her stewardship.
Central to her success is a well-articulated 5-point agenda, directly aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Mandate. Through this roadmap, the Commission has not only expanded its technological capabilities but also prioritized human capital development and inter-agency collaboration. Milestones achieved under her leadership include:
A 25/35% salary adjustment for NIMC staff, boosting morale and productivity
Enhanced staff welfare and capacity building initiatives
Seamless data harmonization efforts with other government agencies
Deployment of NIN Authentication (NINAuth) for secure data verification
“NINAuth” stands out as one of the flagship innovations championed during Dr. Coker-Odusote’s tenure. This cutting-edge verification tool allows Nigerians to control their data, choose when and how it is shared, and enjoy smoother interactions with both public and private entities. By embracing NINAuth, citizens can ensure the safety of their digital identity in real time.
The NIMC, under Dr. Coker-Odusote, is urging the public to leverage NINAuth as a step towards a more secure and efficient digital future.
This recognition is not only a personal achievement for Dr. Coker-Odusote but also a national milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward a fully digitized identity management ecosystem. Her leadership exemplifies what is possible when vision meets execution in public service.
As the Commission celebrates this honor, it also looks ahead—committed to further innovations that will empower citizens, protect identities, and streamline national services. Congratulations to Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote on this well-deserved recognition.
