1.1 Introduction
A National Identity Card (NIC) is an official document issued by a government to its citizens that serves as a proof of identity and nationality. It typically contains personal information such as the individual's name, photo, date of birth, and a unique identification number. In many countries, including Nigeria, the National Identity Card is also linked to various social services, including healthcare, banking, and voting (Ajayi, 2017). NIC is a fundamental identification tool that provides individuals with a unique and verifiable identity. It serves as a proof of citizenship, enabling various social, economic, and political activities such as voting, accessing healthcare, and participating in the formal labor market. In many countries, the need for a secure, reliable, and centralized database of citizen information has become increasingly important, especially in efforts to curb fraud, ensure national security, and facilitate service delivery.
In the context of Nigeria, the introduction and successful implementation of the National Identity Card Management System is a critical component of the country's digital infrastructure (Akinyemi et al., 2019). The Nigerian government, through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has worked towards the establishment of a centralized system for issuing identity cards to citizens, aiming to improve governance and ease administrative processes (NIMC, 2020). The system is intended to store biometric data, including fingerprints, facial images, and personal information, in a secure and accessible manner.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitation of the study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
In many nations, a National Identity Card (NIC) is a critical tool for proving citizenship, access to services, and protection against identity theft and fraud. The establishment of an efficient and secure identity management system is vital for streamlining governance processes, reducing administrative burdens, and ensuring that individuals are accurately recognized within societal systems. In Nigeria, the need for a robust and centralized National Identity Card Management System was recognized by the government, particularly with the growing demands for data accuracy, security, and improved governance. The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) was established to oversee the implementation of the National Identity Management System (NIMS), a comprehensive initiative aimed at creating a national database of citizens' biometric and demographic data. This system is intended to provide a secure, reliable, and verifiable means of identifying citizens, thereby supporting various governmental and administrative processes (Akinyemi et al., 2019).
Historically, Nigeria's efforts to establish a national identity system were fragmented, with multiple attempts at introducing identity cards by different government agencies. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of public awareness, and concerns over data privacy and security slowed progress. The establishment of NIMC in 2007 marked a significant step toward achieving a comprehensive, unified identity management system for the country. The system seeks to provide citizens with a single, multipurpose identity card that can be used for various applications, including voting, tax collection, and accessing public services (NIMC, 2020). The implementation of a National Identity Card Management System brings several benefits, such as the reduction of fraud, improved efficiency in public services, and enhanced transparency in governance. However, challenges remain, particularly in the areas of technological infrastructure, data privacy, and public trust.
The challenges encountered that led to the execution of the research work is that; there is lack of sufficient public awareness and education regarding the benefits of the National Identity Card. Many Nigerians are either unaware of the importance of having an identity card or are skeptical about the process, believing it is unnecessary or intrusive. This low level of awareness and the resistance to the idea of centralizing personal data are factors that contribute to low enrollment rates (Ogunyemi & Olusola, 2021). It is against the background that the developments of this software will serve as a model for other nations seeking to implement similar systems, thereby contributing to the global effort to modernize identification management processes.
1.3 Statement of Problem
Investigation revealed that there is inadequate infrastructure and technology in some areas, which makes it difficult for citizens, especially those in rural regions, to access enrollment centers. The lack of a robust and efficient system for data collection and verification also leads to delays in processing and issuing identity cards, which impacts the overall success of the program (Akinyemi et al., 2019).
Furthermore, security and privacy concerns are also critical problems for the system. As the National Identity Card Management System involves the collection and storage of sensitive personal data, including biometric information, there is a heightened fear of data breaches, identity theft, and misuse of personal information. Ensuring the protection of citizens' data and building trust in the system is a challenge that requires continuous attention and technological advancements (Akinyemi et al., 2019).
Additionally, the financial constraints faced by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) limit its ability to expand the program and ensure its sustainability. Insufficient funding has led to delays in completing the infrastructure required for nationwide implementation, which means that many Nigerians are still unable to benefit from the system (Ogunyemi et al., 2021).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of the study is to design and implement a Computerized National Identity Card Management System. The objectives of this study are as follows:
- To design a secure and user-friendly interface that allows for easy access by citizens and authorized government personnel for registration, verification, and updates of identity information.
- To implement a system that integrates biometric data (such as fingerprints and facial recognition) for accurate identification and authentication of citizens.
- To create a secure database that will store personal information, ensuring the privacy and protection of citizens' data.
- To design a scalable database that stores personal data securely and ensures data privacy and integrity, compliant with relevant data protection regulations.
- To maintain the system's performance by regularly updating and upgrading the software, hardware, and security measures to adapt to emerging technological advancements and security threats.
1.5 Significance of Study
The implementation of the proposed system will be significant to the following stakeholders:
- For the government, it will improve the efficiency and accuracy of identity management, leading to better public service delivery and more effective governance.
- For citizens, the system will provide a secure and accessible means of identification, reducing the risk of fraud and ensuring easier access to social services.
- For businesses, the system will facilitate more reliable verification of customer identities, enhancing security in transactions and compliance with regulatory requirements.
- For academic institutions and researchers, it will offer valuable data on the implementation of large-scale identity management systems, contributing to studies on digital governance and security.
- Lastly, for technology providers and developers, it will create new opportunities for innovation in system design, security, and data management, stimulating growth in the technology sector.
1.6 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the design and implementation of national identity card management system using NIMC as a case study.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Establishment Policies: Establishment policies posed a serious limitation as most staffs are not ready to release information needed for this research work. There were lots of information needed from the staffs of this institution to enhance the study which took them time to release or they did not release at all for security purposes, hence the scope was reduced.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
1.8 Definition of Terms
National Identity Card: A National Identity Card is an official document issued by a government to its citizens that serves as a proof of identity and nationality. It typically contains personal information such as the individual's name, photo, date of birth, and a unique identification number. In many countries, including Nigeria, the National Identity Card is also linked to various social services, including healthcare, banking, and voting (Ajayi, 2017).
Identity Management System: An Identity Management System (IMS) is a technology solution designed to manage and authenticate the identities of individuals. It involves the processes of identifying, verifying, and maintaining the identity information of users in a secure and efficient manner. In the case of a National Identity Card Management System, it ensures that the personal information of citizens is accurately stored, retrieved, and updated when necessary (Smith, 2019).
Database Management System (DBMS): A Database Management System is a software tool used to create, manage, and manipulate databases. In the context of the National Identity Card Management System, a DBMS is essential for storing personal data, ensuring data integrity, and allowing efficient retrieval of information. This system is designed to handle large volumes of data securely (Ogunyemi & Adebayo, 2018).
Biometric Data: Biometric data refers to unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scans, used to verify the identity of an individual. In a National Identity Card Management System, biometric data plays a critical role in ensuring the authenticity of the cardholder's identity and preventing identity fraud (Zhao & Kennesaw, 2020).
Authentication: Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of an individual, typically through methods such as passwords, biometric scans, or PIN codes. In the National Identity Card Management System, authentication ensures that only authorized individuals can access or update their personal data (Bada, 2017).
Data Encryption: Data encryption is the process of converting information into a secure format that cannot be accessed without proper authorization. It is used to protect the confidentiality and integrity of the data stored within the National Identity Card Management System, particularly in relation to sensitive personal information (Alhassan & Tunde, 2020).
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