Senate begins moves to harmonise NIN, BVN, other identity platforms

The Senate advocates for integrating the National Identification Number (NIN), Bank Verification Number (BVN), and other digital identity platforms into a unified system. Salisu Shuiab, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT, Cyber Crimes, highlighted this during a discussion with the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

Shuiab emphasized that a single identity system is crucial for national security and anti-corruption efforts. He criticized the fragmented approach, citing it as wasteful and detrimental to security measures.

He said a unified digital identity system would also help the Federal government plan its various intervention programmes through equitable distribution of resources.

“I can assure Nigerians that the era where you have silos, one individual being a dimension in different places, is not only a waste, it also contributes to insecurity and indeed even corruption.

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“We are making a move to harmonise our identity database. We have engaged the relevant ministries—the Ministry of Communication Digital Economy, the Ministry of Industry, and even the CEO of the National Identity Management Commission—to ensure that a Nigerian who has registered with NIMC and has a national identity number is recognised across all platforms, whether for passport purposes, driver’s license, or the various interventions that the federal government is making.

“You cannot have a digital economy without a reliable digital identity, and digital identity starts with harmonising our database to ensure that one individual is recognised across all the systems,” Shuiab said.

He called for a partnership between FUNAAB and his office on training rural farmers in agricultural production.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the FUNAAB, Prof. Olusola Kehinde, said he would be willing to partner with relevant agencies to ensure food security in the country.

Senate begins moves to harmonise NIN, BVN, other identity platforms

FG approves salary increase for civil servants 

The Federal Government has approved a salary increase of between 25 and 35 per cent for civil servants.

This move is coming on the eve of the 2024 Workers’ Day.

This was revealed in a statement on Tuesday by the Head of Press at the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC)Emmanuel Njoku.

The increment, it stated, would take effect from January 1, 2024.

The Salary Structure includes the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS), Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS), Consolidated Para-military Salary Structure (CONPASS), Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure (CONICCS) and Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS).

Those in the tertiary education and health sectors had already received their increases which involved Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS) and Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS) for universities.

For polytechnics and colleges of education, the statement indicated that the new salary structure involved the Consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure (CONPCASS) and Consolidated Tertiary Educational Institutions Salary Structure (CONTEDISS).

Those in the Health Sector will also be benefiting through the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and Consolidated Health Sector Salary Structure (CONHESS).

Also, the Federal Government has approved increase in pension of between 20 and 28 per cent for pensioners on the defined benefits scheme concerning the above-mentioned six consolidated salary structures.

FG declares Wednesday May 1 public holiday 

The Federal Government has declared Wednesday May 1, 2024 as a public holiday to mark this year’s Workers’ Day.

Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made the declaration in a statement released on Tuesday by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Aishetu Ndayako.

“The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, 1st May 2024 as a public holiday to commemorate this year’s Workers’ Day Celebration,” Aishetu said in the statement.

She quoted the minister as “In alignment with this year’s theme, which focuses on ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate, I wish to state that the Federal Government remains steadfast in its resolve to prioritise the safety and well-being of all citizens.

“Let me reaffirm Mr. President’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for work, where every worker can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.”

The minister acknowledged the contribution of workers and called for more measures to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change through synergy.

“The minister also urged Nigerians to remain committed to the present administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda as he wishes workers a happy celebration,” the statement added.