The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) says enrolment for the National Identification Number (NIN) has reached 136 million, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to establish a unified and secure digital identity system.

The latest figure, disclosed by the Director-General of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, during a courtesy visit to the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, represents an increase of more than 12 million enrolments from the 123.9 million recorded in October 2025, according to the Commission’s last published data.

The visit formed part of NIMC’s ongoing engagement with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) following the enactment of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026, which replaces the 2007 legislation governing the Commission.

The milestone comes as the Federal Government ramps up efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem and expand the use of the National Identification Number across public services, governance and economic planning.

During the meeting, Coker-Odusote outlined the provisions of the new NIMC Act, describing it as a modern legal framework that establishes the NIN as the country’s foundational identity under the Federal Government’s “one person, one identity” policy.

According to her, the legislation also designates NIMC as the root certificate authority for Nigeria’s national digital infrastructure while introducing stronger data protection measures, cybersecurity safeguards and digital credentials.

She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that all Nigerians and legal residents are enrolled and issued National Identification Numbers within the shortest possible time.

Coker-Odusote also expressed the Commission’s readiness to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to leverage the NIN in advancing economic planning and national development initiatives.

Speaking during the meeting, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the successful implementation of the NIMC Act 2026.

He described the legislation as “a transformative milestone” that would strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem while accelerating national planning and development.

Bagudu commended the leadership of NIMC for securing the passage of the new law, noting that it provides a stronger legal foundation for a trusted, secure and inclusive national identity management system.

According to the minister, the success of the Act will depend on its effective implementation and the tangible benefits it delivers to Nigerians.

He also called for stronger collaboration among federal, state and local governments to eliminate the duplication of identity databases across government institutions and build greater public confidence in the national identity system.

“The National Identification Number (NIN) should serve as Nigeria’s single, universally accepted identity standard, supporting efficient service delivery and good governance,” Bagudu said.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the NIMC Act 2026 into law in late June, replacing the 2007 legislation and significantly expanding the Commission’s mandate over Nigeria’s digital identity infrastructure.

The new law establishes NIMC as the Root Certification Authority for Nigeria’s National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), placing the Commission at the centre of the country’s digital identity, authentication and electronic trust framework.

Nigeria has continued to expand enrolment into the National Identity Database as the Federal Government integrates the NIN with key public services, financial systems and social intervention programmes.

The enactment of the NIMC Act 2026 is expected to accelerate these efforts by providing an updated legal framework for digital identity management, strengthening data security and promoting the adoption of the NIN as the country’s primary identity credential. (Arise News)

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