- He highlighted issues where individuals use multiple identities across borders, contributing to misuse of Nigeria’s passport and identity systems
The Federal Government has raised concerns about foreigners misusing Nigerian identities and harming the country’s reputation abroad.
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, announced plans to harmonise Nigeria’s citizenship database to improve individual and corporate identity management.
Speaking at the start of a three-day national workshop on counter-terrorism financing, organised by the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), Tunji-Ojo revealed that the new database will facilitate global verification of Nigerian identities, aiding in the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing.
Tunji-Ojo stressed the need to address identity fraud, stating, “Identity fraud must be reduced to nil. It should be impossible for one person to hold different accounts or identities.”
He highlighted issues where individuals use multiple identities across borders, contributing to misuse of Nigeria’s passport and identity systems.
The minister noted that many individuals damaging Nigeria’s image abroad are foreigners carrying Nigerian passports.
He pledged to create a centralized system for real-time verification of all documents issued within Nigeria, aiming to enhance the accuracy and credibility of Nigerian identities globally.
Mrs. Hafsat Bakari, Director of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), underscored the importance of tracking funds used for terrorism, stating, “Without funds, terrorists and terrorist organisations would not be able to carry out their acts.”
GIABA Director-General, Mr. Edwin W. Harris Jr., reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening West African nations’ efforts against money laundering and terrorism financing.