NIN Enrollment Hits 136 Million as Nigeria Expands Digital Identity System

(Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote. Photo Credit; Whistlers Newspaper)

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

The latest figure, disclosed by the Director-General of NIMC 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 NIMC Act 2026, which replaces the 2007 legislation that previously governed the Commission.

The development comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem and expand the use of the NIN across public services, governance, and economic planning.

During the meeting, the NIMC Director-General outlined the provisions of the new 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.

She explained that 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, and expressed the Commission’s readiness to collaborate closely with the ministry to leverage the NIN in advancing economic planning and national development initiatives.

Speaking at the meeting, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the successful implementation of the NIMC Act 2026, describing the legislation as a transformative milestone that would strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem while accelerating national planning and development.

He 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 ultimately depend on its effective implementation and the tangible benefits it delivers to Nigerians.

He called for stronger collaboration among federal, state, and local governments to eliminate duplication of identity databases across government institutions and to build greater public confidence in the national identity system, stressing that the NIN should serve as Nigeria’s single, universally accepted identity standard, supporting efficient service delivery and good governance.

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), positioning 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.