President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced that the National Identity Database now includes the records of more than 126 million Nigerians, each assigned a unique National Identity Number (NIN), marking a significant achievement in the nation’s digital identity initiative.
During the 7th National Day of Identity held on Tuesday, September 16, at Abuja’s International Conference Centre and organized by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Tinubu, through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, praised the Commission’s efforts in clearing a backlog exceeding 2.5 million records over the last two years. He also acknowledged the successful apprehension of over 30 individuals involved in fraudulent activities, including the operation of counterfeit registration centers.
The President highlighted the effectiveness of NIMC’s digital platforms, including mobile and web-based self-service applications, which have facilitated more than half a million record updates. Additionally, he noted the deployment of upwards of 800 mobile enrollment devices nationwide and the establishment of new regional offices to enhance oversight and service delivery.
Addressing the event’s theme, “Public Key Infrastructure: Backbone to Digital Public Infrastructure,” Tinubu emphasized that a robust and secure identity framework is essential for fostering trust within Nigeria’s expanding digital economy. He explained that integrating identity management with digital public services would promote financial inclusion, improve governance, strengthen social welfare programs, and enhance national security.
“Each number represents individuals who can now securely access their pensions without fear of fraud. Students benefit from easier access to scholarships and loans. Farmers receive targeted support that boosts agricultural productivity and food security. Vulnerable populations, including displaced persons, now possess verifiable identities that enable them to access humanitarian aid. This is the transformative power of identity, and it is the progress we celebrate today,” the President remarked.
Tinubu further revealed that enrollment efforts have extended internationally, with over 200 diaspora centers established to serve Nigerians abroad. Refugees, internally displaced persons, and inmates in correctional facilities have also been registered. A disability inclusion policy has been implemented, training more than 5,000 enrollment agents to better accommodate persons with disabilities.
The capacity of the national database has been expanded from 100 million to 250 million records, with more than 1,500 enrollment devices now operational across the country. Tinubu also noted that 125 government agencies have been integrated with NIMC’s system, reducing redundancy and enhancing operational efficiency. Key partnerships include collaborations with the Immigration Service for passport issuance, the Federal Inland Revenue Service for tax data, the National Population Commission for birth registrations, the National Health Insurance Authority for healthcare enrollment, and the Universal Basic Education Commission for school records.
The President highlighted the positive impact of the mandatory NIN-SIM linkage enforced by the Nigerian Communications Commission, which has significantly reduced fraud and strengthened national security. He also outlined initiatives to bolster the Commission’s capacity, such as staff training programs, provision of advanced tools, establishment of a world-class customer service center, and the renovation and construction of enrollment facilities nationwide. Staff welfare improvements include salary increments, promotions for over 2,800 employees, and enhanced welfare packages.
Efforts to combat extortion and phishing websites have protected citizens, while cooperation with security agencies has led to the arrest of more than 30 fraudulent operators and the shutdown of illegal registration centers. The NIMC has maintained its ISO 27001:2022 certification, a global standard for data security, and introduced the High Availability Verification Service, ensuring 99.9% uptime for identity verification processes.
Tinubu outlined the numerous advantages of the NIN system, including streamlined access to government services, enhanced financial inclusion, improved national planning, and a fortified security framework. The system also optimizes social intervention programs by eliminating ghost beneficiaries, ensuring subsidies reach intended recipients, and facilitating access to banking, healthcare, education, and telecommunications.
NIMC’s Director General, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, shared that 52% of Nigerians living abroad and 85% of inmates in correctional facilities have been successfully enrolled. She emphasized that upgraded infrastructure has cut enrollment time by nearly half and eradicated extortion practices. Addressing concerns about data security, she affirmed that the NIMC database remains one of the most secure in the country, fully compliant with international standards.
0 Comments