ADVOCACY VISIT REPORT

Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONet)
Visit to National Identity Management Commission NIMC, Anambra State Office
17 February 2026, Awka

Following the recent Civil Society Coalition engagement in Lagos under the ID4D Initiative in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Anambra Civil Society Network ACSONet paid an advocacy visit on 17 February 2026 to the Anambra State Coordinator of NIMC, Mrs. Maureen Abazu, in Awka.

The visit was to receive a direct update on the ongoing Ward level enrollment exercise, understand how it is being implemented, identify practical challenges, and explore how civil society can support broader and more inclusive access to the National Identification Number across the state.

Mrs. Abazu informed the delegation that the six (6) week enrollment exercise commenced on 16 February 2026 and is focused mainly on fresh registrations, particularly for persons 16 years and above. She explained that the exercise aligns with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and is intended to deepen identity coverage at the grassroots.
She noted that in previous exercises, Communities in underserved Local Government Areas such as Ayamelum and Anambra West were not directly reached due to poor network connectivity, lack of electricity, and difficult road access. As a result, many residents were asked to come to the State office in Awka for registration, which limited participation, especially among vulnerable groups.

The State Office works with Front End Partners under a World Bank supported framework and partnered with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) for public sensitization ahead of the exercise. The Coordinator welcomed the involvement of Civil Society and acknowledged its role in Community mobilization and public accountability.

On enrollment procedures, she explained that children under 16 must present a parent’s NIN to be enrolled. When they attain 16 years, they are required to return to migrate to adult enrollment status. A NIN is issued once and remains the same for life. While certain personal details such as date of birth, phone number, address, and name arrangement can be corrected, the NIN itself does not change. Corrections require a Remita payment receipt, sworn affidavit, police extract for phone number changes, utility bill for address changes, and a recommendation from a traditional ruler or President General.

She stressed the need for accuracy during biometric capture and warned against allowing anyone to thumbprint on another person’s behalf.

Several operational challenges were highlighted during the discussion and facility tour. The office currently lacks mobilization funds for 2026 activities. There is a shortage of functional laptops and desktops and some systems require upgrading. The office is not connected to the national grid despite a transformer that was provided during a previous administration but has not yet been installed. The general condition of the office environment also requires attention, as many waiting chairs are worn out and the surroundings appear poorly maintained.

These conditions affect service delivery and public confidence in a service that is central to access to government programmes and financial inclusion.

In response, ACSONet emphasized the need for urgent multi stakeholder intervention. The Network will pursue advocacy engagement with the Anambra State Governor to seek immediate infrastructure support, particularly the installation of the existing transformer and improved facility conditions. Further engagement will be directed to the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Local Government Council Chairmen, the leadership of the State Traditional Rulers Council, Presidents General of Communities, and interested philanthropists within the State to mobilize support for equipment and logistics.

The visit ended with a tour of the NIMC office and adjoining wards where registration was ongoing.

While the Ward level enrollment exercise is a positive and necessary step toward expanding identity coverage, addressing the funding, infrastructure, and equipment gaps is critical to ensuring that residents across Anambra State can access enrollment services in a timely and dignified manner.

ACSONet remains committed to sustained engagement to support this objective.

Please, find some of the photographs taken during the advocacy visits and tour of facilities.

Your faithfully,

Prince Chris Azor. Chairman, Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONet)