A HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL IDENTITY PROJECT IN NIGERIA, 1979-2018

Abstract

ABSTRACT The study examine the history of National identity project, challenges and prospects over the years, the National Identity Project was part of government efforts in building a central database and a secured platform of providing means of identification for Nigeria citizens. The project was commissioned in September, 1979 by General Olusegun Obasanjo, with the aim of building a united, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria .The development of this project has been retarded by various challenges including lack of political will, corruption and absence of comprehensive documentation of the project over the years, this has created a great vacuum to the areas of academic research and enlightenment campaign. The research adopted multidisciplinary approach using oral, published and unpublished sources among others, the contribution of various stakeholders and role expected from the Nigeria citizens toward the success of the project were discussed. Furthermore, the research has provided the basic information on the operational procedures and has looked into areas of improvement expected to be addressed by the government, private sector and general public in order to achieve the goals of the National Identity Project in Nigeria.