Nigeria Strengthens Nationwide Digital Identity Enrolment Through Expanded Ministry–NIMC Partnership
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reinforced its commitment to achieving universal digital identity coverage by strengthening collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). The initiative forms part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is aimed at expanding National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment across the country.
The renewed partnership was announced during a high-level meeting in Abuja, where the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, hosted the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, alongside members of the commission’s management team following the implementation of the new NIMC Act 2026.
Government Prioritises Inclusive Digital Identity
Speaking during the meeting, the minister emphasized that a comprehensive digital identity system is fundamental to effective governance, national planning, financial inclusion, and Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda.
He revealed that more than 136 million Nigerians and legal residents have already been enrolled in the National Identity Database. However, the government remains focused on registering the remaining population to ensure that every eligible resident can access public services and benefit from national development initiatives.
According to the minister, expanding digital identity coverage is essential for creating a more inclusive digital economy and improving the delivery of government programmes nationwide.
Nationwide Awareness Campaign to Boost NIN Registration
To accelerate enrolment, the Federal Government plans to leverage the nationwide reach of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), which maintains offices across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria.
Through the partnership, the ministry and NIMC will launch intensified public awareness campaigns designed to educate citizens on:
• The importance of obtaining a National Identification Number (NIN)
• The benefits of digital identity
• Access to government services and social intervention programmes
• Participation in Nigeria’s growing digital economy
The Ministry of Information also pledged to utilise all its communication platforms, including the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), to support nationwide sensitisation efforts.
New NIMC Act Modernises Digital Identity Framework
During the engagement, NIMC highlighted the significance of the newly enacted NIMC Act 2026, describing it as a major milestone in modernising Nigeria’s identity management system.
The updated legislation introduces stronger provisions covering:
• Data protection
• Cybersecurity
• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
• Digital trust
• Modern identity governance
The Act also formally establishes NIMC as Nigeria’s foundational digital identity authority, strengthening its role in supporting secure digital services across both the public and private sectors.
Ward-by-Ward Enrolment Campaign Underway
As part of its expanded enrolment strategy, NIMC has launched a nationwide ward-by-ward registration exercise covering Nigeria’s 8,809 political wards.
The campaign aims to improve inclusion by reaching underserved groups, including:
• Women
• Children
• Persons with disabilities
• Rural communities
• Refugees
• Legal residents
• Nigerians living abroad
The commission noted that expanding identity registration will improve access to government services, welfare programmes, financial services, healthcare, education, and other digital initiatives.
Strengthening Digital Trust and Service Delivery
NIMC also disclosed that it continues to collaborate with security agencies and other government institutions to combat identity fraud, improve cybersecurity, and strengthen digital trust across Nigeria.
According to the commission, its digital identity platform has already been integrated with more than 250 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), helping streamline public services and significantly reduce enrolment processing times through digital innovation.
Supporting Nigeria’s Digital Economy
The Federal Government said the strengthened collaboration reflects its long-term commitment to building a secure, inclusive, and trusted digital identity ecosystem that supports economic growth, digital inclusion, and improved public service delivery.
By expanding enrolment and enhancing digital identity infrastructure, Nigeria aims to create a stronger foundation for e-government services, financial inclusion, and the country’s evolving digital economy.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the purpose of the Ministry–NIMC partnership?
The partnership aims to accelerate National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment, strengthen public awareness, and ensure more Nigerians are included in the country’s digital identity system.
2. How many people have enrolled in Nigeria’s National Identity Database?
According to the Federal Government, more than 136 million Nigerians and legal residents have already been enrolled.
3. What is the NIMC Act 2026?
The NIMC Act 2026 modernises Nigeria’s identity management framework by introducing stronger provisions for data protection, cybersecurity, digital public infrastructure, and digital trust while formally recognising NIMC as the country’s foundational digital identity authority.
4. What is the nationwide ward-by-ward enrolment campaign?
It is a nationwide registration exercise taking place across Nigeria’s 8,809 political wards to increase digital identity enrolment, particularly among underserved populations.
5. Who is being targeted in the enrolment campaign?
The campaign focuses on women, children, persons with disabilities, rural communities, refugees, legal residents, and Nigerians living in the diaspora to promote inclusive digital identity coverage.
6. Why is obtaining a National Identification Number (NIN) important?
A NIN enables citizens and legal residents to access government services, financial services, healthcare, education, social intervention programmes, and other digital public services while supporting national planning and economic development.
7. How does digital identity support Nigeria’s digital economy?
A robust digital identity system improves service delivery, enhances financial inclusion, reduces identity fraud, strengthens cybersecurity, supports digital government initiatives, and creates a trusted foundation for digital transactions and innovation.
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