The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has recorded a major institutional breakthrough following the approval of its first-ever Scheme of Service by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), a development expected to strengthen staff development, operational efficiency and long-term sustainability at the agency.
- +NIMC secures historic service framework as identity agency deepens reform drive
The approval marks a significant milestone in NIMC’s evolution and is being seen as another step in the Commission’s ongoing reform agenda aimed at transforming Nigeria’s identity management ecosystem.
The approval marks a significant milestone in NIMC’s evolution and is being seen as another step in the Commission’s ongoing reform agenda aimed at transforming Nigeria’s identity management ecosystem.
According to NIMC, the newly approved Scheme of Service provides a comprehensive framework that clearly outlines staff cadres, promotion pathways, job responsibilities, qualification requirements and professional standards across the Commission.
The agency said the framework aligns with Public Service Rules and global best practices, while also supporting institutional growth and improved service delivery.
NIMC attributed the achievement to reforms championed by Abisoye Coker-Odusote, its director-general and chief executive officer, whose leadership has focused on modernising the Commission and strengthening its human capital base.
The Commission noted that the Scheme of Service is tied to the DG’s five-point agenda and supports the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda by promoting institutional excellence and workforce development.
Speaking during the formal presentation of the approved document, Imirhe Gabriel Nwagol, deputy director of the scheme of service and organisational design department at the OHCSF, commended NIMC for successfully securing approval for a dedicated Scheme of Service.
He noted that only a limited number of federal agencies have been able to achieve such approval, describing the development as a reflection of the Commission’s commitment to professionalism and organisational growth.
Representing the director-general at the event, the head of human capital management at NIMC, Rhoda Jackden, expressed appreciation to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation for the approval.
She described the development as a significant milestone for the Commission and assured stakeholders that NIMC would ensure the effective implementation of the new framework.
One of the key highlights of the approved Scheme is the introduction of new Enrolment, Card and Commercial Cadres, which will operate alongside existing professional cadres within the Commission.
Industry observers say the development could help NIMC build a more specialised workforce as the agency continues to expand its role in national identity management, digital identity services and citizen enrolment programmes.
The approval comes at a time when NIMC is playing an increasingly critical role in Nigeria’s digital economy, particularly through the expansion of the National Identification Number (NIN) ecosystem and the integration of identity services across government and private sector platforms.
Analysts believe the new Scheme of Service will provide clearer career progression opportunities for employees, improve staff motivation and strengthen the institutional capacity required to support Nigeria’s growing digital identity ambitions.
