The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced a bold plan to enroll 85 to 95 percent of Nigerians in the National Identity Number (NIN) system before the end of this year. This initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes digital governance and nationwide development.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, NIMC’s Director-General, Dr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote, revealed that the commission has already registered approximately 120 million Nigerians as of April 30, 2025. With Nigeria’s population now estimated at over 220 million, the commission aims to register an additional 67 to 100 million citizens by December to meet its target.
To achieve this, NIMC plans to expand registration centers, improve infrastructure, and launch extensive public awareness campaigns. The ongoing Ward Enrollment Exercise is a key part of this effort, designed to capture accurate data on the country’s population and improve government planning.
Addressing concerns about data privacy, Dr. Coker-Odusote assured the public that NIMC has implemented robust measures to protect personal information. The commission now allows individuals to control their data through a user consent management system, ensuring Nigerians decide when and how their information is shared.
NIMC is also collaborating with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to train and certify staff on proper data handling. Additionally, partnerships with security agencies are helping to combat fraudulent websites that mimic official NIN platforms.
“Data protection and cybersecurity are top priorities for us,” Dr. Coker-Odusote said. “We are strengthening our backend systems to prevent breaches and are working closely with ministries and agencies to create a trusted digital ecosystem.”
NIMC plans to integrate its systems with various government ministries and agencies to enable seamless digital document exchange and e-governance. The introduction of a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) will further enhance trust and security across government operations.
This digital transformation is expected to boost Nigeria’s digital economy and improve service delivery nationwide.
