The Presidential Panel on Citizens Data Management and harmonization has began its assignment, The Nation learnt on Wednesday.
The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola who is the Chairman of the Committee said President Buhari is committed to the safety and security of all Nigerians irrespective of where they live.
He said the committee’s priority is to ensure the speedy harmonization of single database of citizens in the country.
Members of the Committee met Tuesday at the headquarters of the Ministry of Interior asserting that works would begin in earnest to fast track harmonization of Nigeria’s numerous citizen identification data held by different government Ministries, Departments and Agencies with a view to ensuring a single database owned and managed by the Federal Government.
Ogbeni Aregbesola, was quoted as saying that the administration of President Buhari was committed to the global fight against terrorism and as such would leave no stone unturned in ensuring national security and public safety of Nigerians and foreigners alike.
A statement by the Director of Press in the Ministry Mohammed Manga further quoted the Minister as saying that “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, he said, 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 members to immediately commence the review of the recent limited and temporary immigrant visa restrictions by the United States of America, 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 on behalf of the Committee, 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.
The statement listed members of the Committee present at the inaugural meeting as the
Minister of Interior – Chairman
Minister of Communication and Digital Economy
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
Minister of Police Affairs
Governor of the Central Bank
Inspector General of Police
Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service
Director General, State Security Services
Director General, Nigeria Intelligence Agency
Director General, National Identity Management Commission
Director General, National Population Commission
Others are –
Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service
Chairman, National Electoral Commission (INEC)
Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission
Accountant General of the Federation
The Presidential Committee is expected to prepare and submit its final report on or before 16th March, 2020.

By Blessing Olaifa