Over 126 Million Nigerians Captured in NIMC Database — Tinubu
In a major step towards strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity system, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced that more than 126 million Nigerians are now captured in the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database through the National Identification Number (NIN) enrollment.
This milestone reflects Nigeria’s progress in building a comprehensive national identity framework, which is essential for governance, security, and access to public services.
Database Expansion and Backlog Clearance
According to Tinubu, the federal government has expanded the NIMC database capacity from 100 million to 250 million records. This ensures that every Nigerian, at home and in the diaspora, can be enrolled without bottlenecks.
Additionally, the commission successfully cleared a backlog of 2.5 million delayed records, allowing citizens who had been waiting for their NINs to finally access them.
Security and Digital Trust
The government also emphasized that the NIMC database will now benefit from Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), a digital security system designed to protect citizens’ data and ensure its authenticity.
The integration of the NIN-SIM linkage has further strengthened security, reducing fraud and identity theft in mobile communications.
Inclusion for All Nigerians
NIMC has rolled out initiatives to ensure no Nigerian is left behind. Enrollment now extends to:
- Nigerians in the diaspora with over 200 global enrolment centres
- Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), refugees, and vulnerable groups
- Persons with disabilities and inmates in correctional facilities
To ease access, more than 800 mobile enrolment devices have been deployed across the country.
Why This Matters
- Improved Access to Services: Citizens can now more easily access financial services, government programs, and education support.
- Better National Planning: The database provides accurate population data for policy-making and national development.
- Digital Transformation: Nigeria’s push for a secure and trusted digital identity ecosystem supports growth in e-governance and fintech sectors.
Challenges Ahead
While progress has been made, challenges remain:
- Expanding enrollment to remote communities
- Ensuring data security and privacy
- Sustaining efficiency at enrolment centres
The federal government has pledged more resources to address these issues and achieve universal coverage.
Conclusion
With over 126 million Nigerians enrolled in the NIMC database, the country is closer to achieving a reliable digital identity system that benefits governance, security, and service delivery.
As capacity grows and technology strengthens, every Nigerian will soon have access to a secure and verifiable identity, a critical foundation for national progress.