President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for its remarkable progress in digital identity management, confirming that more than 126 million Nigerians are now enrolled in the National Identity Register.
Speaking at the National Day of Identity celebration in Abuja on Tuesday, Tinubu represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume commended the Commission for clearing a 2.5 million record backlog and for expanding enrolment services both within Nigeria and in the diaspora.
The Director-General of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to building a secure, inclusive, and empowering identity system. She noted that over 123 million Nigerians have already been captured in the database, advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16.9 on legal identity for all. According to her, NIMC has expanded partnerships with more than 50 public and private institutions, increased diaspora enrolment by 52 percent, and integrated identity services into health, education, agriculture, social welfare, and security sectors.
Coker-Odusote stressed the importance of Public Key Infrastructure in boosting digital trust and protecting personal data, while assuring Nigerians that the national database remains safe despite recent claims of breaches. She explained that the National Identification Number has already empowered students, farmers, and vulnerable citizens, with over 449,000 students benefiting from loans worth ₦86.35 billion.
“The NIN is more than just a number it is a gateway to opportunity, security, and dignity,” she said.
In his remarks, Tinubu described the national identity database as a cornerstone of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, highlighting its role in financial inclusion, social protection, national planning, security, and effective governance. He emphasized that the expansion of the database from 100 million to 250 million records demonstrates government’s resolve to achieve universal coverage.
“Behind this number are workers who can now claim pensions without fear of fraud, students who can access loans and scholarships with ease, farmers benefiting from targeted incentives, and displaced persons who now have proof of identity to receive humanitarian support,” the President said.
He also disclosed that NIMC has deployed over 1,500 enrolment devices nationwide, supported by more than 200 diaspora centres, while special enrolments have been conducted for refugees, internally displaced persons, and inmates in correctional facilities. Over 5,000 agents have been trained under the Commission’s disability inclusion policy, and harmonization with 125 partner agencies has created a unified identity system that reduces duplication and improves service delivery across immigration, taxation, healthcare, education, and telecommunications.
On security, Tinubu noted that more than 30 fraudulent operators have been arrested, illegal centres shut down, and phishing sites dismantled. He added that NIMC has retained its ISO 27001:2022 certification, meeting global standards for data protection.
The President further revealed that NIMC has introduced a High Availability Verification Service with 99.9 percent uptime, modernized its operations, and improved staff welfare by promoting and adjusting the salaries of more than 2,800 workers. He concluded that the National Identification Number would remain a vital tool for inclusive growth and digital transformation, enabling Nigerians to access government services, financial platforms, and social programmes seamlessly.
