Prince Chris Azor
The ongoing Ward-level enrollment exercise by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is one of the most important grassroots interventions happening in our State today. The National Identification Number has quietly become the foundation for accessing banking services, examination requirements, SIM registration, scholarships, international travels, social protection programmes, and many government interventions. If our people are not captured, they are simply locked out.
From our engagement with stakeholders and observations on ground, the Anambra State office of NIMC is doing its best under very difficult conditions. The office is not connected to the national grid. It depends entirely on a generator, and the quarterly allocation is not enough to sustain fuelling for three (3) months. Although a transformer was donated during the former administration, it has not been installed and energized.
Security is also a real concern. The office has experienced robbery incidents in the past, with equipment stolen from the premises. The rear fence is vulnerable and lighting at night is inadequate. This is not just about property loss. It is about protecting sensitive national data and ensuring staff can work safely.
Mobility for field operations is another serious limitation. The official project vehicle has been out of service for over a year due to engine and gearbox faults. Without reliable transportation, reaching remote Wards and Communities becomes difficult.
Shortage of enrollment devices
There is also a shortage of enrollment devices. Each local government needs at least five (5) functional devices to effectively move beyond Ward centres into Communities.
Administrative tools such as laptops for coordination and document uploads are limited. Even basic infrastructure like waiting room chairs at the State office needs replacement.
These may sound like routine operational issues, but the implications are bigger. When enrollment slows down, rural dwellers, the elderly, women, young people, and persons with disabilities are the ones most affected. They risk being excluded from services that now require a NIN.
This is why we believe this responsibility must go beyond NIMC alone. We respectfully call on the Anambra State Government and relevant MDAs to urgently support the installation of the transformer and address power and security challenges at the State office.
Local Government Chairmen should see this as part of their grassroots mandate. Providing temporary support facilities, security coordination, and logistical backing during Ward deployments can make a real difference.
We appeal to the Anambra State Town Union Council, (ASTUC), Traditional Rulers Council, and community leaders to actively mobilize their communities, provide safe spaces for enrollment teams, and help safeguard deployed equipment.
Widespread partnership
Development Partners, Philanthropists, Professional Associations, Faith Based and Civil Society organizations can also step in with targeted support. This may include laptops, solar backup systems, support for fueling, perimeter reinforcement, repair or replacement of the project vehicle, and additional enrollment devices.
All relevant stakeholders should assist in advocacy and enlightenment to create desired awareness about the Ward level enrollment across the Communities.
Identity is not politics. It is not a partisan issue. It is about inclusion and dignity. It is about making sure no resident of Anambra is invisible in the system.
If we truly care about financial inclusion, social protection, and grassroots development, then supporting NIMC’s Ward-level enrollment must be a shared priority.
The opportunity is here. What is needed now is collective action.
Prince Chris Azor is a Citizen advocate, and Chairman, Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONet)
You can reach him on 08032102294 (SMS Only)
