By Dwelleth Moroutodun
The Committee on Citizens’ Data Management and Harmonization inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, assured that it would enhance speedy harmonization of Nigeria’s numerous citizens’ identification data held by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
This, the committee said, is with the view to ensuring a single database owned and managed by the federal government.
The Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Committee, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, in his inaugural speech at the meeting in Abuja, stated that the Buhari Administration is committed to the global fight against terrorism.
He added that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring national security and public safety of Nigerians and foreigners alike.
He said: “The harmonization of the database has become imperative because of the present global security challenges and the urgent need for Nigeria to join the international community in the fight against transnational crimes and criminality.”
The Minister who further set up three sub-Committees (Citizen Data Management and Harmonization, Central Crime Data Management and Harmonization, Limited and Temporary Visa Restrictions) for speedy and efficient delivery of the Presidential mandate as contained in the terms of reference of the Committee.
He charged the members to immediately commence the review of the recent limited and temporary immigrant visa restrictions by the United States of America (USA), develop and implement systems and processes that will address the security concerns raised by the US and submit their interim report on or before 14th February, 2020.
Aregbesola, thanked the President for granting them the opportunity to serve the nation and assured that all hands will be on deck to ensure that the Committee carries out its assignment in record time.
Members of the Committee include: The Minister of Interior as Chairman, the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Minister of Police Affairs, the Governor of the Central Bank (CBN), the Inspector General of Police, the Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Director General, State Security Services (DSS), the Director General, Nigeria Intelligence Agency Director General, the National Identity Management Commission Director General and the National Population Commission.
Others are: Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service Chairman, National Electoral Commission (INEC) Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission, the Accountant General of the Federation.
The Presidential Committee is expected to prepare and submit its final report on or before March 16th, 2020.