NIMC Joins Gender Inclusion Conference to Advance Women’s Empowerment

NIMC Joins Gender Inclusion Conference to Advance Women’s Empowerment

 

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality by actively participating in the Gender Inclusion Conference (#SheIsIncluded), an initiative organized by the Office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The high-profile conference brings together policymakers, industry leaders, advocates, and other stakeholders to discuss and address pressing issues affecting Nigerian women. Key topics of discussion include access to quality education, healthcare, economic opportunities, digital inclusion, and leadership representation. The initiative underscores the federal government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive society where women have equal opportunities to thrive.

As the primary institution responsible for identity management in Nigeria, NIMC recognizes the crucial role that equitable access to identity services plays in empowering women. The Commission emphasized the importance of ensuring that national identification systems are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of all Nigerians, particularly women and marginalized groups.

NIMC reiterated its dedication to promoting gender-sensitive policies and innovations that make identity registration easier for women, especially those in underserved communities. The Commission also highlighted ongoing efforts to streamline registration processes, improve accessibility, and raise awareness about the importance of digital identity in accessing essential services such as banking, healthcare, and social welfare.

In a statement, NIMC commended the Office of the Vice President and all stakeholders involved in organizing the conference, acknowledging their relentless efforts in advancing gender equity in Nigeria. The Commission further encouraged continued collaboration among government agencies, private sector partners, and civil society organizations to ensure lasting progress in women’s empowerment and inclusion.

With this participation, NIMC reinforces its role as a key enabler in the national drive for gender equality and inclusive development, aligning with global best practices and Nigeria’s broader socio-economic goals.

Airtel Nigeria CEO Hosts Strategic Meetings with Key Public and Professional Institutions

Airtel Nigeria CEO Hosts Strategic Meetings with Key Public and Professional Institutions

 

Airtel Nigeria recently hosted two pivotal meetings aimed at fostering collaboration and driving innovation in key areas critical to the nation’s development.

Carl Cruz, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, welcomed Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and her team to the company’s headquarters in Lagos. The meeting took place against the backdrop of the Commission’s 6th National Identity Day, a significant event for Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to enhance digital identity management. During the discussions, both parties explored potential partnerships and strategies to leverage Airtel’s technological expertise to support the digital identity infrastructure of the country, ensuring that innovation continues to thrive in this sector.

Cruz emphasized Airtel’s commitment to playing a crucial role in streamlining identity management, with the ultimate goal of making life easier for Nigerians through secure and efficient digital systems. “We are eager to collaborate with NIMC to transform the landscape of digital identity in Nigeria. As a technology leader, Airtel stands ready to contribute its resources and capabilities to advance this essential national agenda,” Cruz stated.No alternative text description for this image

A day earlier, the CEO also met with leadership from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM). This engagement focused on Airtel Nigeria’s people-centric policies, specifically its emphasis on employee development, diversity, and inclusion. Cruz and CIPM leadership explored ways to further solidify Airtel’s commitment to fostering a work environment that empowers individuals and promotes personal and professional growth.

“We are proud of our people-first approach,” Cruz commented during the CIPM meeting. “At Airtel, we understand that our success is driven by our employees, and we are dedicated to providing them with the support and development they need to thrive.”No alternative text description for this image

These meetings underscore Airtel Nigeria’s dedication to forging strong relationships with both public institutions and professional bodies, ensuring an environment that fosters growth and innovation across multiple sectors. The company’s leadership is optimistic about the future, particularly the impact these collaborations will have on creating an enabling environment for all Nigerians.

As Airtel continues to engage with various stakeholders, the company remains committed to its mission of connecting Nigerians and empowering communities through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships.

 

 

ANTHONY NWOSU

Nigerian Banks Face Backlash as Customers Struggle with Digital Disconnect

Nigerian Banks Face Backlash as Customers Struggle with Digital Disconnect

In a recent turn of events, Nigerian banks have come under scrutiny for their stringent National Identity Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) linkage policies, threatening to block accounts by March 1, 2024. The process, likened to navigating the early days of online portals, has left customers frustrated and discontent.

Users report significant challenges with the online portal, reminiscent of the late ’90s and early 2000s, citing delays in receiving One-Time Passwords (OTPs) and system glitches. Complaints about the lack of consideration for the elderly or those without internet access have further fueled discontent.

Despite the banks possessing comprehensive BVN and NIN databases, the handling of customer complaints has raised eyebrows. Live WhatsApp support is marred by extensive delays in message delivery and response times, pushing wait times beyond acceptable standards.

Email communication, touted as an alternative, is criticized for taking a staggering 72 hours for acknowledgment, with response timelines even less predictable. Questions are raised about the purpose of collected NINs and the handling of customer information amassed over the past year.

The frustration extends beyond digital hitches to customer service experiences. Calls to customer care units often result in dropped calls, lack of case records, and repetition of complaints to different representatives. Email trails are neglected, leading to redundant requests for issue clarification.

Critics argue that while Nigerian banks boast sophisticated digital technologies, their operational mindset remains stuck in the 19th century. The call for banks to prioritize relationships over transactions gains traction, emphasizing the need for a customer-centric approach.

Notably, the discontent echoes a broader sentiment of societal dissatisfaction with inefficiencies and individualistic trends. The critique extends beyond banking to encompass the broader challenges faced in daily life, from utilities to infrastructure and societal systems.

As Nigeria navigates these challenges, the call for a shift from individualism to collective solutions reverberates, urging institutions to address customer grievances promptly and adopt a more holistic approach to service delivery.