Engr. Aliyu Abubakar Aziz, the former Director General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), was celebrated in Paris on November 29, 2023, as the Secure Identity Alliance (SIA) presented him with an award for his outstanding contributions. Recognized as a founding member and pioneer Chairman of the SIA Advisory Council, Aziz was lauded for his role in establishing universal interoperability standards and influencing crucial decisions impacting Nigeria and Africa.
The SIA, a collaboration of public and private sectors along with academics in the identity industry, acknowledged Aziz’s efforts in advocating for fair contractual agreements and technology services for NIMC and other technology-dependent agencies in Nigeria. The Alliance emphasized Aziz’s influence on the European Economic Interest Groups under the SIA, shaping decisions for the benefit of Nigeria.
Inscribed on the award were words of encouragement, stating, “Weather the headwinds, the tailwinds to propel you forward are over the horizon,” underscoring Aziz’s untapped potential as an asset for the international community.
The SIA, formed in 2019, aims to combat “vendor lock-in” and promote interoperability, fostering a transparent environment with open standards. Aziz served as the inaugural Chairman until July 24, 2023, when Engr. Bisoye Coka-Odusote succeeded him. Aziz formally handed over the chairmanship during a ceremony, emphasizing the apolitical nature of the SIA and its commitment to ensuring identity solutions meet specific criteria before reaching Nigerian and African Governments.
Engr. Aziz’s legacy resonates as the SIA continues its mission to enhance identity management and related solutions globally.
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