NIMC Surpasses 136 Million NIN Enrolments as Nigeria Rolls Out New Digital Identity Law

NIMC Surpasses 136 Million NIN Enrolments as Nigeria Rolls Out New Digital Identity Law

Description: NIMC has enrolled over 136 million Nigerians into the National Identity Database as the Federal Government launches a new digital identity law centered on the National Identification Number (NIN).

Nigeria has reached a major milestone in its digital transformation journey, with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) announcing that more than 136 million Nigerians and legal residents have now been enrolled into the country's National Identity Database.

The announcement comes as the Federal Government begins implementing a new National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act, a landmark legislation aimed at creating a single, secure, and trusted digital identity system for everyone living in Nigeria.

New NIMC Act to Transform Nigeria's Identity System

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by NIMC's Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, the update followed a high-level stakeholder engagement between the commission and the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning on implementing the newly signed law.

The new legislation replaces the 2007 NIMC Act and introduces a comprehensive "One Person, One Identity" framework, making the National Identification Number (NIN) the country's official and universally accepted identity standard.

Under the new law, NIMC will also serve as Nigeria's Root Certificate Authority, giving it expanded responsibilities in digital identity management, cybersecurity, digital credentials, and data protection.

NIMC Targets Full NIN Registration for All Nigerians

Speaking during the engagement, NIMC Director-General Abisoye Coker-Odusote reaffirmed the commission's commitment to registering every Nigerian and legal resident as quickly as possible.

She revealed that over 136 million people have already been successfully enrolled into the National Identity Database.

«"We have successfully enrolled more than 136 million Nigerians and legal residents into the National Identity Database. NIMC will continue collaborating with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to leverage the National Identification Number for economic planning and national development initiatives," she said.»

Why the NIN Is Becoming More Important

The Federal Government believes that a unified identity database will significantly improve governance and service delivery across the country.

A comprehensive digital identity system is expected to:

- Improve economic planning through accurate population data.

- Strengthen national security and reduce identity fraud.

- Expand access to banking and financial services.

- Improve social intervention and welfare programmes.

- Enhance access to digital government services.

- Eliminate duplicate identity records across government agencies.

Minister Calls for One National Identity Database

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, described the new law as a historic step toward building a secure, inclusive, and efficient national identity management system.

According to Bagudu, the success of the legislation will depend on effective implementation and strong collaboration among federal, state, and local governments.

He stressed that all levels of government must work together to eliminate multiple identity databases and ensure that the National Identification Number (NIN) becomes Nigeria's single, universally accepted identity.

«"The National Identification Number should serve as Nigeria's single, universally accepted identity standard, supporting efficient service delivery and good governance," the minister said.»

Nigeria Joins Global Digital Identity Movement

Nigeria's latest reforms align with a growing global trend, as countries increasingly adopt secure digital identity systems to strengthen governance, improve public services, reduce fraud, and promote financial inclusion.

With more than 136 million enrolments already completed, the implementation of the new NIMC Act represents one of Nigeria's most ambitious digital governance projects and could reshape how citizens access both government and private-sector services in the years ahead.

Final Thoughts

The enrolment of over 136 million Nigerians into the National Identity Database marks a significant achievement for NIMC and the Federal Government. As the new identity law takes effect, the National Identification Number is expected to become the foundation of Nigeria's digital economy, improving security, transparency, and access to essential services nationwide.SEO Title: NIMC Enrols Over 136 Million Nigerians as New Digital Identity Law Takes Effect

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