The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has led a high-level Fiscal Data Harmonization meeting in Abuja as part of a calculated effort to improve Nigeria’s economic stability and transparency.
The meeting, held in his office, brought together key financial stakeholders to address discrepancies in fiscal data that have impacted Nigeria’s credit ratings and borrowing capacity.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Accountant General of the Federation, Shamsedeen Ogunjimi; and the Director General of the Budget Office, Tanimu Yakubu.
Conversations emphasized the necessity for better collaboration among government bodies, such as the Budget Office, the Accountant General’s Office, and the Debt Management Office.
Edun emphasized that providing precise financial information is essential for economic stability and fostering investor trust, underlining the importance of unified reporting among institutions.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to taking ownership of its fiscal data credibility and reducing reliance on external institutions for economic assessments.
To this end, stakeholders agreed to create a Fiscal Data Coordination Framework, which will comprise a main committee, a subcommittee, and technical teams charged with standardising fiscal reporting methodologies and economic assumptions.
The gathering ended with a solid promise to put the new framework into action, enhancing clarity, boosting investor trust, and uplifting Nigeria’s financial perspective.
As the administration launches this project, dependable and precise financial information is anticipated to act as the cornerstone for Nigeria’s economic revival, placing the nation in a better position for enhanced global financial reputation.
NIMC warns against fake NIN cards, orders crackdown on offenders
Meanwhile, the National Identity Management Commission has issued a strong warning against the unauthorized printing of National Identification Number cards by individuals, cyber cafés, and organizations across Nigeria.
In a statement on Monday, signed by the Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, NIMC described the practice as a violation of the NIMC Act No. 23, 2007, and emphasized that only the official NIMC General Multi-Purpose Card is legally recognized.
“The Commission has not authorized any individual or organization to print any NIN card as a replacement for the official NIMC General Multi-Purpose Card. This act is illegal and punishable under the law,” the statement read.
NIMC urged Nigerians to avoid using unauthorized NIN cards for identification, warning that only the official NIN slip is valid for verification when accessing services.
“The so-called NIN card being printed by some cyber cafés and individuals is not authorized by NIMC. On no account should it be presented as a means of identification,” the commission stated.
To curb the growing trend, NIMC disclosed that security agencies have been instructed to crack down on offenders, adding that those caught printing, selling, or issuing fake NIN cards will face prosecution.
“Anyone caught printing, selling, or issuing fake NIN cards will be made to face the full wrath of the law,” Adegoke warned.
Meanwhile, in response to public demand for a physical means of identification, NIMC announced plans to introduce an upgraded General Multi-Purpose Card.
The new card will not only serve as an official identity document but also function as a payment card, powered by AfriGO, a local payment platform.
The commission encouraged Nigerians to report illegal NIN card printing and seek clarifications through its official communication channels.
“For any inquiries, the public can reach NIMC via 07002255646, 0815505388, or email nimccustomercare@nimc.gov.ng and ieu@nimc.gov.ng. We are also available on all social media platforms,” the commission stated.
NIMC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of national identity documents and ensuring compliance with legal identification standards in Nigeria.