Nigeria’s ambition to build a unified digital identity system has reached a significant milestone, with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) announcing that more than 136 million Nigerians and legal residents have now been enrolled into the National Identity Database (NIDB).
The achievement comes as the newly enacted NIMC Act 2026 takes effect, providing a stronger legal framework for the country’s digital identity ecosystem and reinforcing the National Identification Number (NIN) as Nigeria’s single foundational identity.
Director-General of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, disclosed the development during a courtesy visit to the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning on Monday.
She explained that the new legislation repeals the 2007 Act and introduces a comprehensive framework aimed at modernising Nigeria’s identity management architecture under the Federal Government’s “One Person, One Identity” policy.
According to her, the Act designates NIMC as the root certificate authority for Nigeria’s digital identity infrastructure, strengthens data protection and cybersecurity measures, and supports the deployment of secure digital credentials for citizens and legal residents.
“The Federal Government is determined to ensure that every Nigerian and legal resident is enrolled and issued a National Identification Number within the shortest possible time,” Coker-Odusote said.
She noted that NIMC is committed to partnering with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to maximise the use of the NIN in national planning, economic development, and the effective implementation of social intervention programmes.
The NIMC boss also commended the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, for supporting the passage of the legislation and advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Responding, Bagudu described the NIMC Act 2026 as a landmark reform that would strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem and improve governance through a trusted, secure and inclusive identity management system.
He, however, stressed that the law’s success would ultimately depend on effective implementation and on ensuring that Nigerians experience tangible benefits from the new identity framework.
The minister called for stronger collaboration among federal, state and local governments to eliminate the proliferation of multiple identity databases across public institutions.
He said the National Identification Number should become Nigeria’s universally recognised identity standard capable of improving public service delivery, enhancing governance and supporting evidence-based national planning.
The enrolment of over 136 million people marks one of the biggest milestones in Nigeria’s identity management journey since NIMC was established.
Government believes that a unified NIN system will improve national planning, expand financial inclusion, strengthen security, enhance tax administration, reduce revenue leakages, and improve the delivery of public services and social intervention programmes.
With the new law now in force, attention is expected to shift to how quickly NIMC can enrol the remaining millions of Nigerians yet to be captured, bringing the country closer to achieving its “One Person, One Identity” vision.
