The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) have expressed strong support for the integration of local governments into Nigeria’s national identity management system.
Former Postmaster General Bisi Adegbuyi recently proposed that local governments be included in the framework to improve efficiency and extend coverage across the country.
He described local governments as the “missing link” in Nigeria’s current identity management system, suggesting their involvement would accelerate the achievement of universal identity coverage.
Both ALGON and NULGE agreed that the inclusion of local governments would lead to more accurate and inclusive data collection, benefiting national governance and development.
Hakeem Ambali, NULGE President, supported Adegbuyi’s suggestion, calling it “timely and in line with global best practices.” Ambali highlighted the example of the United Kingdom, where local governments issue driving licences, as a model for Nigeria to follow.
He stressed that local governments are crucial in gathering data for planning and development, especially through conducting censuses and registering indigenous populations in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
According to Ambali, empowering local governments to carry out social surveys and maintain a comprehensive social register would ensure more reliable data, benefiting the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.
Mohammed Abubakar, Secretary-General of ALGON, also endorsed the idea, emphasising its significance for national security and public importance.
Abubakar pointed out that local governments are better positioned to handle identity management, given their familiarity with local communities and dynamics.
He concluded, “If we are serious about improving our identity management system, local governments must be allowed to take charge of this aspect.”
Both organisations believe that strengthening local governments is essential for the efficient implementation of Nigeria’s identity management system, which would, in turn, contribute to the nation’s overall development.
