Nigeria's digital identity takes shape with 136 million in database

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced that over 136 million Nigerians and legal residents have been successfully enrolled into the country’s national identity database. This significant milestone comes as the Nigerian government commences the implementation of a new legislative framework designed to revolutionize its digital identity infrastructure.

According to a statement released on Tuesday by Mr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications for NIMC, the update followed a critical stakeholder engagement with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning concerning the execution of the new NIMC Act. This new law supersedes the previous 2007 NIMC Act and establishes the National Identification Number (NIN) as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s identity ecosystem. It introduces a “one person, one identity” principle, with the goal of creating a unified and reliable identity system for all residents.

Under the provisions of the updated legislation, NIMC will assume the crucial role of the root certificate authority for the nation’s digital identity infrastructure. Its mandate will also expand to include heightened responsibilities in areas such as digital credentials, cybersecurity, and data protection.

NIMC’s Director-General, Ms. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, reiterated the commission’s commitment to expeditiously complete the enrolment process and issue NINs to every Nigerian and legal resident. She stated, “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.”

The government views a robust and comprehensive identity database as indispensable for enhancing public service delivery, streamlining economic planning processes, and broadening access to digital services, including financial inclusion schemes and various social intervention programs.

Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, lauded the new law as a monumental achievement in the quest to establish a secure and all-encompassing identity management system. Minister Bagudu emphasized that the efficacy of the legislation would be judged by its implementation and the tangible benefits it delivers to citizens. He called for improved collaboration among federal, state, and local governments to eliminate redundant identity databases.

“The National Identification Number should serve as Nigeria’s single, universally accepted identity standard, supporting efficient service delivery and good governance,” Senator Bagudu affirmed. Nigeria’s drive towards a consolidated digital identity system mirrors a global trend where governments increasingly depend on secure identification infrastructures to improve strategic planning, mitigate fraud, and expand access to both public and private sector services.