Kaduna, Nigeria – May 10, 2024 - The UNECA in collaboration with the Kaduna State Government, has successfully conducted a training session for 43 staff members from the Kaduna State Residents Identity Management Agency (KADRIMA) and the Kaduna State Pension Bureau. This training aims to equip the staff with the skills necessary to effectively use the newly developed Pensioner Verification App, designed to streamline the identification and verification process for pensioners.
The training session, held at the KADRIMA head office, included 39 KADRIMA staff members (23 field officers and 19 HQ staff), and 4 key staff members from the Pension Bureau. This initiative is part of the state government’s broader strategy to digitalize and enhance the efficiency of government services, ensuring that pensioners receive timely and hassle-free verification.
Key Highlights of the Training:
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Hands-On App Training: Participants received detailed instructions on using the app, including registration, biometric verification, and troubleshooting.
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Field Application: Practical sessions were conducted to prepare field officers to assist pensioners in remote and rural areas who may require help with the verification process or do not have access to Android devices.
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Data Management: The training covered the integration of the app with the state’s Master Data Management system, ensuring secure and efficient data handling.
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Feedback and Improvement: Participants were encouraged to provide feedback to enhance the app’s functionality and user experience.
Statements from Key Stakeholders:
Mr. Muhammed Jibrin Bamalli, Acting ES KADRIMA, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "This training is a crucial step towards our mission of improving service delivery through technology. The Pensioner Verification App will significantly reduce the burden on our pensioners and ensure a more efficient verification process."
Ms. Salamatu Isah, Head of the Pension Bureau, added, "The introduction of this app is a game-changer for our pension verification process. We are grateful for the support from the ECA and are confident that this will bring about positive changes for our pensioners."
Ms. Dobrina Poirier, Economic Affairs Officer from UNECA, stated, “The UNECA is proud to see this project come to fruition. The dedication and commitment of KADRIMA and the Pension Bureau has been instrumental in advancing and showcasing how digital IDs can transform public service delivery.”
About the Pensioner Verification App:
The Pensioner Verification App replaces the need for pensioners to travel long distances to designated bank offices for verification. Instead, pensioners can now complete the "I am alive" test remotely using their National ID number and biometrics. This innovation is particularly beneficial for those in areas with limited bank access and enhances overall security and convenience.
Next Steps:
After a beta testing phase, which allowed a maximum number of users to test and provide feedback used to improve the app, the app has been handed over to the Pension Bureau for immediate launch.
The Kaduna State Government, KADRIMA, and the Pension Bureau will continue to work together to ensure the successful implementation and widespread adoption of the Pensioner Verification App, setting a precedent for digital transformation in government services.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Dobrina Portier,
Economic Affairs Officer, Digital Center of Excellence
Technology and Innovation Section
Economic Commission for Africa
Email: dobrina.poirier@un.org
Documents
Kaduna State Pension Bureau Self-Service Verification System
About The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)
ECA is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations, established to promote economic and social development in Africa. ECA works closely with member states, regional institutions, and other partners to support sustainable development, policy dialogue, research, and capacity-building initiatives across the continent. Among its key digital transformation deliverables for its member states is supporting the implementation of the Good Digital ID Framework Principles as enabling factors for Africa’s digital economy, inclusive growth, and regional integration. For more information visit: https://www.uneca.org/dite-africa
About KADSRRA
The Kaduna State Residents Registration Agency (KADSRRA) was established by The Kaduna State Government on the 1st of May 2018 under the leadership of Malam Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai and Law No 16, 2018. The legislation was later updated by the Kaduna Residents Identity Management Agency (KADRIMA) of April 2021 Law No 7, 2021. The Agency was established to create a reliable database of all residents in the State towards providing useful data for effective governance. For more information visit: http://kadrima.kdsg.gov.ng