NIMC Surpasses 136 million NIN Enrolments as Nigeria Begins Major Digital Identity Reform
Nigeria has reached another milestone in its digital transformation journey as the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) announced that it has enrolled more than 136 million Nigerians and legal residents into the National Identity Database. The achievement comes as the Federal Government begins implementing a new law aimed at strengthening the country’s digital identity system.
New NIMC Act Strengthens Nigeria’s Identity System
The newly enacted NIMC Act replaces the 2007 law and introduces a “One Person, One Identity” framework. Under this system, every Nigerian and legal resident is expected to have a unique National Identification Number (NIN), making it the country’s primary identity standard.
The new legislation also expands NIMC’s responsibilities beyond enrolment to include digital identity management, cybersecurity, digital credentials, and data protection, creating a more secure and reliable identity infrastructure.
136 million Enrolments and Counting
According to NIMC Director-General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the commission has already enrolled over 136 million people and plans to ensure that every Nigerian and legal resident obtains a National Identification Number (NIN) as quickly as possible.
“We have successfully enrolled more than 136 million Nigerians and legal residents into the National Identity Database, and NIMC will collaborate with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to leverage the NIN for economic planning and national development initiatives.” — Abisoye Coker-Odusote
Why the National Identification Number Matters
The Federal Government believes a comprehensive Digital Identity system will improve:
- Better public service delivery
- Stronger economic planning
- Easier access to financial services
- More transparent social intervention programmes
- Reduced identity fraud
- Improved digital governance
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, also called for collaboration among federal, state, and local governments to eliminate duplicate identity databases and ensure the National Identification Number (NIN) becomes Nigeria’s single trusted identity.
The enrolment of over 136 million Nigerians marks significant progress in Nigeria’s journey toward a unified Digital Identity ecosystem. As implementation of the new NIMC Act continues, the success of the initiative will depend on widespread enrolment, effective collaboration across government agencies, and the secure use of the National Identification Number (NIN) to improve governance, planning, and access to essential services.
Useful Links
- National Identity Management Commission (NIMC): https://nimc.gov.ng
- NIN Enrolment Portal: https://selfservicemodification.nimc.gov.ng
- Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning: https://budget.gov.ng
