NIMC Hits 136 Million Enrolments as Digital Identity Overhaul Begins

 


By Abel Chigozie 


The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) says it has enrolled more than 136 million Nigerians and legal residents into the National Identity Database as the Federal Government begins implementing the newly signed NIMC Act 2026, aimed at overhauling the country's digital identity system. 


The commission disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, following a stakeholder engagement with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning on the implementation of the new law.


The new legislation, which repeals the 2007 NIMC Act, places the National Identification Number (NIN) at the centre of Nigeria's identity ecosystem under a "one person, one identity" framework. The reform is designed to establish a single, secure and trusted identity system for all Nigerians and legal residents. 


Under the new law, NIMC will serve as the country's root certificate authority for digital identity infrastructure, with expanded responsibilities covering digital credentials, cybersecurity and data protection.


NIMC Director-General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, said the commission is committed to completing the enrolment and issuance of NINs to all Nigerians and legal residents as quickly as possible.


She noted that the commission would work closely with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to leverage the National Identification Number for economic planning, governance and national development initiatives.


According to the commission, a comprehensive national identity database will enhance public service delivery, strengthen economic planning, improve financial inclusion and expand access to digital services and government social intervention programmes. 


Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, described the new NIMC Act as a significant milestone in building a secure, inclusive and efficient national identity management system.


He stressed that the success of the legislation would depend on effective implementation and urged stronger collaboration among federal, state and local governments to eliminate duplicate identity databases across the country.


Bagudu also reaffirmed that the National Identification Number should become Nigeria's universally accepted identity standard, supporting improved governance and efficient service delivery. 

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