The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Has Announced

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced that it will commence nationwide ward‑level enrollment for the National Identification Number (NIN) beginning Monday, February 16, 2026, marking a major expansion in Nigeria’s identity registration drive following a presidential directive to deepen national identity coverage. Grassroots Identity Push Starts February 16 In a statement signed by the Commission’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Kayode Adegoke, NIMC said the ward‑to‑ward NIN registration exercise will take registration services directly into communities across all states. The initiative aims to ensure that all Nigerian citizens and legal residents including children and adults are captured in the national database. The enrollment exercise will be conducted free of charge, with the Commission explaining that bringing registration closer to people will reduce travel burdens, encourage wider participation, and strengthen identity inclusion nationwide.
Presidential Directive & Policy Alignment
The ward‑level rollout comes on the heels of a presidential directive mandating NIMC to expand NIN registration to the grassroots as part of efforts to widen national identity coverage. The move aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which emphasises inclusive governance, national development and broader access to identity services for all citizens and residents.
NIMC described the initiative as a strategic step toward decentralising identity services, particularly for residents in rural and underserved communities, where access to traditional enrollment centres has been limited.
Preparations and Awareness Campaigns
To facilitate the successful rollout, the Commission has begun extensive stakeholder engagement and public awareness campaigns. Officials said they are consulting with:
State governments and local government authorities
Traditional rulers and community leaders
Market associations and faith‑based organisations
These groups are expected to play key roles in mobilising communities and spreading information about the enrollment schedule, locations and benefits of obtaining a NIN.
Detailed ward‑level enrollment schedules, which will guide the rotational movement of licensed front‑end partners and NIMC staff, have been published on the Commission’s official website.
Public Participation and Benefits
NIMC is urging Nigerians and legal residents who have not yet enrolled to take full advantage of the opportunity. The Commission emphasised the importance of the NIN as a fundamental identity credential that is required for accessing key public and private services, includin SIM registration and telecommunications services Bank accounts and financial services
Education and health services
Travel documentation and social welfare programs
Families, community members and organisations are being encouraged to ensure that children, parents, elders and other relatives are registered within their local wards during the exercise
Wider Identity Coverage Goal The nationwide initiative marks a significant step toward achieving comprehensive identity coverage. Nigeria’s identity database has grown substantially, with estimates showing tens of millions already enrolled and the government targeting most citizens and legal residents within the next few years. By decentralising enrollment and taking it to the ward level, authorities aim to close gaps in coverage, reduce barriers to registration and ensure inclusive participation across Nigeria’s diverse population.