Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, emphasized the critical role of proper identification in governance, stating that without accurately identifying citizens, the government cannot effectively protect or provide for them.
Speaking at the 6th National Day of Identity, 2024, Tunji Ojo explained, “You can’t protect who you don’t know, and you can’t provide for who you don’t know. Getting the identity of the people right is fundamental.” He further stressed that identity management, specifically through Evidence of Identity (EOI), is essential to national development.
Highlighting the potential consequences of neglecting identity management, the minister pointed to reputational damage and the difficulty in distinguishing between law-abiding citizens and criminals. He noted that without proper identification systems, basic policing and public services become challenging to deliver.
The minister also underscored the importance of balancing security with data protection, referencing the Data Protection Act as a fundamental right in any democracy. He emphasized that while the government has the right to manage citizens’ identities, it must also ensure that these identities are protected.
Tunji Ojo concluded that without a focus on identity management, Nigeria risks remaining a country of untapped potential.
