The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has granted the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) the authority to register all 79,518 inmates across the country for National Identification Numbers (NIN). This initiative, announced during a recent visit to NIMC’s headquarters in Abuja, aims to ensure that inmates are not left out of Nigeria’s national development plans.
Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, the Acting Controller General of NCoS, shared that this partnership with NIMC is part of ongoing reforms within the correctional system. He emphasized that registering inmates for NIN will enhance their safety and security while also making it easier to recapture them in case of jailbreaks. “Inmates should be integrated into society,” he stated, noting that many have pursued higher education, including degrees and even PhDs, while incarcerated.
Currently, a significant portion of the inmate population, about 53,440 individuals, are awaiting trial. Nwakuche suggested that these individuals should also have a voice in national planning and census activities, as their futures are still uncertain and they deserve a chance to contribute to society
Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the Director-General of NIMC, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of NIN in Nigeria’s broader development agenda. She pointed out that linking NINs to various government services, such as student loans, helps eliminate fraud and ensures that resources reach those who genuinely need them.
The collaboration with NCoS is part of a larger effort by NIMC to modernize its services and improve accessibility for all Nigerians. Recently, NIMC announced plans for a new multipurpose national identity card that will not only serve as identification but also facilitate financial transactions. This card aims to help those without any means of identification, particularly in remote areas.
As of October last year, NIMC had issued NINs to over 115 million Nigerians and legal residents. With the new initiative to register inmates, this number is set to rise significantly.
This step not only represents progress for the correctional system but also underscores Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring that every citizen, regardless of their circumstances, has access to essential services and opportunities for reintegration into society.
