Nigeria begins single data harmonisation, set up Committee

Nigeria begins single data harmonisation, set up Committee

The Committee on Citizen Data Management and Harmonization inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari has assured that it would enhance speedy harmonization of Nigeria’s numerous citizen identification data held by different government Ministries, Departments and Agencies with a view to ensuring a single database owned and managed by the Federal Government.

Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Committee, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, in his inaugural speech at the meeting held in his Office in Abuja today, stated that President Muhammadu Buhari Government is committed to the global fight against terrorism and as such would leave no stone unturned in ensuring national security and public safety of Nigerians and foreigners alike.

According to him, “the harmonization of the database has become imperative because of the present global security challenges and the urgent need for Nigeria to join the international community in the fight against transnational crimes and criminality”

The Minister who further set up three Sub-Committees (Citizen Data Management and Harmonization, Central Crime Data Management and Harmonization, Limited and Temporary Visa Restrictions) for speedy and efficient delivery of the Presidential mandate as contained in the terms of reference of the Committee; charged members to immediately commence the review of the recent limited and temporary immigrant visa restrictions by the United States of America, develop and implement systems and processes that will address the security concerns raised by the US and submit their interim report on or before 14th February, 2020.

Aregbesola on behalf of the Committee, thanked the President for granting them the opportunity to serve the nation and assured that all hands will be on deck to ensure that the Committee carries out its assignment in record time.

Members of the Committee present at the inaugural meeting include –

Minister of Interior – Chairman

Minister of Communication and Digital Economy

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice

Minister of Police Affairs

Governor of the Central Bank

Inspector General of Police

Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service

Director General, State Security Services

Director General, Nigeria Intelligence Agency

Director General, National Identity Management Commission

Director General, National Population Commission

Others are –

Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service

Chairman, National Electoral Commission (INEC)

Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission

Accountant General of the Federation

The Presidential Committee is expected to prepare and submit its final report on or before 16th March, 2020.

SIGNED

 Mohammed Manga

 Director (Press & Public Relations