ISLAMABAD: The Nigerian High Commissioner Ahmed Rufai Abu Bakar called on National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) Chairman Tariq Malik along with a delegation on Tuesday.

Nadra Chairman Tariq Malik briefe d the delegation about its operations and its success in achieving universal ID registration coverage across Pakistan and utilisation of national ID data to support various government and private sector initiatives.

During the briefing, Mr Malik emphasised that following Pakistan`s `Look Africa Policy`, Nadra is poised to work closely with many a government organisations in Nigeria, Kenya, Sudan and Somalia.

He informed the delegation that Nadra had achieved instrumental success not only in reviving the stalled ID card programme in Nigeria but also equipped and empowered the technical staff of National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Nigeria in order to operate the National ID system independently. Mr Ahmed Rufai Abu Bakar lauded the efforts of Mr Malik and Nadra teams.

He showed his desire to get Nadra`s assistance for government of Nigeria to capitalise on national ID data and its linkage with other disparate systems operating in Nigeria.

Nadra Chairman Tariq Malik assured the delegation that the agency will surely extend all possible G2G support in ID related projects. Mr Malik also stressed the need for achieving `one version of truth` which is only possible when National ID is utilised to its fullest and duplication of data is eliminated.

All systems may need to be interlinked with the National ID system of Nigeria, he added.

The Nigerian High Commissioner also appreciated the support provided by Nadra in developing a robust identity management system for Nigeria.