NIMC Enrols Over 136 Million Nigerians And Legal Residents Into National Identity Database As New Act Takes Effect

NIMC enrols over 136 million Nigerians and legal residents into National Identity Database as new Act takes effect

The National Identity Management Commission NIMC has announced that more than 136 million Nigerians and legal residents have been successfully enrolled into the National Identity Database (NIDB), marking a major milestone in the country’s digital identity drive.The announcement was made by NIMC Director-General, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, during a stakeholder engagement visit to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning as the Commission begins implementation of the newly enacted NIMC Act. The milestone comes as the new NIMC Act takes effect, replacing the previous 2007 legislation and introducing reforms aimed at modernising Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem. Under the updated framework, the National Identification Number NIN remains the foundation of Nigeria’s identity system under the “one person, one identity” policy. The law also strengthens NIMC’s role in managing national digital identity infrastructure, including data protection, cybersecurity measures, and digital credentials. Coker-Odusote said the Federal Government remains committed to enrolling all Nigerians and eligible legal residents into the national identity system.

She noted that the Commission would continue collaborating with government ministries, departments, agencies, and other stakeholders to expand access to NIN registration and improve the use of identity data for national planning and development. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, described the new legislation as an important step toward building a secure and inclusive identity management system. He said the success of the Act would depend on effective implementation and the ability to deliver practical benefits to citizens, including improved government services, better planning, and reduced duplication of identity databases across public institutions. The Federal Government has positioned the NIN system as a key component of Nigeria’s digital transformation efforts, with the aim of creating a trusted identity framework for citizens and residents. Officials say a reliable national identity database will support areas such as financial inclusion, access to public services, economic planning, and stronger identity verification processes. NIMC is expected to continue nationwide enrolment efforts while working with government institutions and private sector partners to integrate the NIN into more services. With more than 136 million people now captured in the National Identity Database, the Commission says its next focus is achieving broader coverage and ensuring that the identity system delivers greater value to Nigerians and legal residents.