Experts advocate for Federal Government’s harmonization of the National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) to combat crimes and insecurity in the country.
They made the call on Monday at a media roundtable, organised by Sydani Group in Abuja.
The roundtable focuses on driving sustainability through a comprehensive analysis of Nigeria’s key development areas.
The Head, Sydani Technologies Ltd., Mr Noble Ajuonu, said that Nigeria could overcome its security challenges and pave the way for a safer, more secure future for all Nigerians by embracing technology and implementing practical solutions,
“We need to harmonise data, prioritize seamless integration of databases like NIN, BVN, and security agency records, establish clear protocols for data sharing and access, with robust safeguards against misuse,’’ expert said.
According to Ajuonu, this unified data pool will empower intelligence gathering and targeted operations.
He also called for investments in smart surveillance, intelligent video analytics software, training of personnel in data analysis, and interpretation of data in real-time to combat crimes.
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“There is a need to implement a legal framework for call interception in criminal investigations, with strict oversight to prevent abuse, encourage community cohesion, training of tech-savvy security personnel with tech-enabled tools.’’
Ajuonu also urged the government to address the infrastructure deficit in technology, saying that technology was all-encompassing to address insecurity.
“According to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), as of December 2023, only 104.2 million Nigerians had been enrolled for the National Identity Number (NIN).’’
Ajuonu added that over 122.2 million citizens left uncaptured for NIN were people in rural areas where enrolment centres and digital services were limited.
“Most crimes are being perpetuated from rural communities and this lack of comprehensive identification creates a gap where elements not captured in the National database can constitute public nuisance, crimes.
“There is the inadequacy in the integration of NIN, BVN and Voters Identification Number (VIN).
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“Advanced call interception and analysis tools, used successfully in other countries, could provide invaluable insights into criminal networks and operations but infrastructure is lacking,’’ he said.
In his remarks, the Agricultural Expert, Sydani Group, Mr Godfrey Petgrave, called for the empowerment of smallholder farmers with access to finance, and training that would enhance productivity.
Petgrave also said the country required policy reform and institutional strengthening that would enhance agricultural practices and embrace digital agriculture solutions to address food insecurity.
Another expert of the group on health, Mr Akolade Jimoh, advocated for expanded community-based health insurance programmes for rural and underserved areas.
Jimoh added that the country needed to encourage Public Private Partnership to revolutionise product design and quality improvement in health services.
NAN
