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Tag: NIN

  • Abia traditional rulers launch statewide drive to boost NIN, PVC registrations

    Abia traditional rulers launch statewide drive to boost NIN, PVC registrations

    The chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Sir Linus Nto Mba, on Tuesday announced a statewide mobilisation initiative aimed at significantly increasing the number of residents registered for National Identification Numbers (NIN) and Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs).

    Eze Sir Linus made the announcement while presiding over a meeting of the Council, which included principal officers and chairmen of traditional rulers from the 17 Local Government Areas, held at his office in the JAAC Building, Umuahia.

    The decision came amid concerns over Abia state’s relatively low registration figures despite its large population.

    The chairman emphasized that traditional rulers, as custodians and fathers of the people, have resolved to take responsibility for mobilising eligible citizens, particularly those aged 18 and above who have yet to register.

    “Our resolve is to ensure that Abia State records one of the highest numbers of registered citizens. This exercise is not for any individual or political interest, but purely in the interest of the state and its development,” he stated.

    Read Also: Otti approves N250,000 monthly stipends for Abia traditional rulers

    Eze Sir Linus explained that the mobilisation drive will adopt a grassroots approach, extending from the state level to zones, local governments, and autonomous communities to ensure no eligible citizen is left out.

    The Council also plans to assess the availability of registration facilities, including equipment, personnel, and logistics, by visiting relevant offices where registrations are conducted.

    The Chairman underscored that the initiative is non-political, noting the pivotal role of traditional rulers across Nigeria in grassroots mobilisation for national development.

    “As true fathers of our communities and the state, we will not allow Abia to lag in this critical national exercise,” he added.

    The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers to support government efforts aimed at strengthening civic participation and ensuring accurate population data for the overall progress of the state.

  • NIN database hits 127 million enrolments nationwide, says NIMC

    NIN database hits 127 million enrolments nationwide, says NIMC

    The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has recorded no fewer than 127 million National Identification Numbers (NIN) as of December 2025.

    The figure was confirmed by the commission’s spokesman, Dr. Kayode Adegoke, in response to enquiries on the latest enrolment data. He noted that updated nationwide statistics would soon be published on the NIMC website.

    Dr. Adegoke encouraged Nigerians to make use of the Commission’s digital platforms for new registrations, data corrections, and other NIN-related services.

    Data available on the NIMC website as of October 31, 2025, showed that 123.9 million Nigerians had been enrolled at the time, with Lagos State leading the country’s enrolment figures at 13.1 million.

    Read Also: NIMC records over 123m enrolments

    “The highest cumulative enrollment figure of over 13 million was recorded in Lagos State. Regional figures indicated an almost equal distribution across the North and South,” says the Commission.

    The top 10 states are Lagos with 13.1 million, Kano with 11.5 million, Kaduna with 7.3 million, Ogun with 5.1 million, Oyo with 4.7 million, and Katsina with a total of 4.2 million.

    Others are FCT Abuja 4.06 million, Rivers State 3.6 million, followed by Delta with 3.2 million, and Bauchi State with 3.2 million.

    The states at the bottom are Kwara with 2.09 million, Imo state 2.09 million, Yobe 2.08 million, Enugu with 2 million, and Kogi state with 1.9 million.

    The NIMC figures also indicated that a total of 54, 206,154 females were captured in the National database across the country as at October last year, while 69, 700164 males were recorded. 

  • JUST IN: 123m Nigerians get NIN

    JUST IN: 123m Nigerians get NIN

    No fewer than 123 million Nigerians have been captured in the National Identity database of the country with their National Identity Numbers (NIN) by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). 

    The Director General/CEO of NIMC, Engr Abisoye Coker-Odusote disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, during the 7th National Day of Identity organised by NIMC. 

    Coker-Odusote also disclosed that 52 percent of Nigerians in the diaspora have been captured in the National Identity database while 85 percent of inmates in Nigeria Correctional Centres have also been enrolled. 

    Read Also: JTB okays NIN, RC as tax IDs

    She said NIMC infrastructure have been upgraded across the country and outside with over 200 enrolment centres while about 125 agencies of government and institutions have had the National Identity Numbers harmonised with NIMC. 

    She added that with upgraded infrastructure, NIMC has reduced time spent on NIN enrolment by 49 percent while extortion of citizens have been eliminated.

     She dismissed claims of compromise of NIMC database infrastructure, saying that NIMC systems are the most secure in the country with global standards and practices that prioritised security, trust and integrity. 

    Details Shortly..

  • BVN, NIN sale as threat to national security

    BVN, NIN sale as threat to national security

    • By Shuaib S. Agaka

    Sir: Just weeks ago, national alarm bells rang over the dangers of SIM recycling—where inactive mobile numbers are reassigned without proper verification, sometimes leading to unauthorized access to bank accounts and sensitive platforms. Now, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) revealing that thousands of Nigerian youths are trading Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) and National Identification Numbers (NINs), a far more disturbing pattern is taking shape: Nigeria’s digital identity infrastructure is dangerously compromised.

    The implications are staggering. The country’s cybersecurity framework, already riddled with loopholes, is now showing deeper fractures. Trust—the bedrock of any digital system—is evaporating fast. Ironically, while palliatives are now scarce and heavily guarded, Nigerians’ personal data floats freely across black markets and rogue platforms. The very act of surrendering biometric and personal details to the state—under promises of security and service delivery—has become the gateway to exploitation.

    Nigeria’s digital identity architecture is built on three core pillars: the NIN managed by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the BVN under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the SIM-NIN linkage enforced by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Together, these systems were intended to unify identity verification, enhance financial inclusion, curb fraud, and support digital governance.

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    In theory, it’s a sound framework. In practice, however, it’s falling apart.

    Corruption and insider leaks have created cracks in what should be secure systems. The EFCC’s finding that over 12,000 youths were caught selling their identities is only the visible tip of a deeper and more institutionalized rot. The black market for digital identities is supplied not just by desperate youth—but also by compromised insiders working within supposedly secure government and financial agencies.

    Nigeria must establish a unified digital identity oversight mechanism to harmonize data security standards across NIMC, CBN, NCC, and NDPC. Real-time interoperability and data-sharing protocols must be enforced. Second, all telecoms, fin-techs, and banks should undergo mandatory cybersecurity compliance audits. Institutions found to mishandle user data should face stiff penalties, including license suspensions or financial sanctions. Third, a national public education campaign must be launched to raise awareness about digital identity theft and promote cyber hygiene at the grassroots.

    Ultimately, Nigeria’s digital future will not be secured by technology alone. It will be secured by building trust—trust that personal data will be respected, identities protected, and breaches punished. Until then, Nigeria’s digital economy remains a house built on shaky foundations, where the trade of identities is more seamless than access to palliatives, and fraudsters are more empowered than the citizens they exploit.

    •Shuaib S. Agaka,

    Kano

  • 74 percent of inmates in Correctional facilities now have NIN on NIMC database

    74 percent of inmates in Correctional facilities now have NIN on NIMC database

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has has disclosed that Inmates in the country now have their National Identity Numbers, (NIN) captured in the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, database due to on-going registration.

    The Service said 74 percent of the inmates, representing 59,786 of the 80,879 inmates have been captured in the database of NIMC.

    The Public Relations Officer of the Correctional Service, Deputy Comptroller of Corrections, Umar Abubakar, said this was made possible by the collaboration between NIMC and the Service.

    Abubakar dismissed reports that the National Identity Number (NIN) registration exercise was yet to commence in all custodial centres across the country.

    ” This report is misleading, inaccurate, and does not reflect the current state of affairs within our custodial facilities,” Abubakar said in a statement.

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    He noted that the NIN registration of inmates in custodial centres was not only ongoing but has recorded significant progress.

    He said:” A majority of inmates across various custodial centres nationwide have already been successfully enrolled into the National Identity Database through the collaborative efforts of the Service and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

    “Available data show that as at 7thJune, 2025, out of the total of 80, 879 inmates’ population, 59,786 inmates approximately 74% have been captured into the NIMC platform.

    “The registration of the remaining inmates is actively in progress, and mechanisms have been put in place to ensure its seamless completion.

    “The claim that the registration has “yet to commence” in custodial centres is factually incorrect and fails to acknowledge the substantial work already done.

    ” The Service remains committed to the full integration of inmates into national data systems, including the NIN, as part of broader efforts to promote rehabilitation, reintegration, and the digital inclusion of all persons in custody.

    “The Service therefore urges members of the media to verify information with relevant authorities before publication, in order to avoid spreading misinformation that may mislead the public and undermine ongoing institutional efforts”

  • NIMC launches NIN authentication for seamless identity verification

    NIMC launches NIN authentication for seamless identity verification

    The federal government has approved the launch of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)’s NIN Authentication for secure and seamless identity verification and authentication.

    Similarly, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the use of NIN Authentication for verification and authentication across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    The Commission said the development was in line with its mandate of regulating a reliable National Digital Identity for citizens and legal residents to affirm their identity

    According to NIMC, the launch of the “NIN Authentication (NINAuth),” a cutting-edge suite of services that include web, API and mobile verification designed to enhance data security, protect privacy, and simplify access to government services, is part of President Tinubu, Renewed Hope Agenda on strengthening the National Identity Management System.

    The Head of Corporate Communications of NIMC, Dr Kayode Adegoke said the NIMC NINAuth application is the official service for integration with the Commission’s backend infrastructure.

    “It introduces a robust layer of protection, empowering individuals with greater control over their personal information”, Dr Adegoke said in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday.

    He said: “By requiring explicit consent before data is shared for Know Your Customer (KYC) processes or other verifications, the platform fosters trust, transparency, and user autonomy in digital identity management.

    Read Also: NIMC hikes products services fees

    “With NINAuth, individuals can securely verify their identity and access key government services, including: Sim registration and replacement, Immigration applications and passport processing ⁠”

    Others are ⁠tax filings and financial transactions, Government Intervention Programs in various MDAs and Driver’s license renewals and other regulatory processes.

    “This innovation reaffirms NIMC’s commitment to advancing secure and efficient digital identity management, ensuring a more accessible, transparent, and secure identity verification system in Nigeria”, Dr Adegoke said.

    He said Nigerians are required to download the NINAuth App on Google Play Store and Apple iOS App Store to use the NIN Authentication Service.

    “The implementation guide and process flow of the NIMC NIN Authentication are available at https://ninauth.nimc.gov.ng“, he added.

  • NIN enrolment hits 118.4m amid push to meet World Bank target

    NIN enrolment hits 118.4m amid push to meet World Bank target

    The number of Nigerians registered in the National Identification Number (NIN) database rose to 118.4 million in March 2025, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has confirmed.

    This marks an increase of about one million from February’s figure of 117.3 million, indicating sustained momentum in the country’s digital identity drive, according to the Commission’s latest monthly update.

    Lagos remains the state with the highest number of enrollees at 12.7 million, followed by Kano with 10.4 million and Kaduna with 6.9 million. Other top-performing states include Ogun (4.9 million), Oyo (4.5 million), and Katsina (4 million). The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) recorded 3.8 million, Rivers 3.5 million, Delta 3.2 million, and Jigawa 3.1 million.

    In contrast, Bayelsa recorded the lowest enrolment with 767,620. Ebonyi followed with 999,991, and Ekiti with 1.1 million. Others with low enrolment figures include Cross River, Taraba, and Yobe with 1.4 million, 1.7 million, and 1.8 million, respectively.

    Gender distribution in the data showed a gap, with 66.9 million registered males compared to 51.5 million females, representing 56.5 per cent, 43.5 per cent, respectively.

    Read Also: NIMC grants correctional service licence to register inmates for NIN 

    Despite the progress, Nigeria is still behind on its target. The country missed the June 30, 2024, deadline set by the World Bank to register at least 148 million people. This led to a two-year extension of the World Bank-backed Digital Identity for National Development (ID4D) project, now set to close on June 30, 2026.

    “The extension provides an opportunity to address existing gaps and to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind,” the World Bank stated.

    “A trusted and inclusive ID system is foundational for effective governance, service delivery, and social protection.”

    The ID4D project is co-financed by the World Bank, the French Development Agency (AFD), and the European Investment Bank (EIB), with a total funding commitment of $430 million. The funding aims to support the development of a robust and secure digital identity infrastructure for Nigeria’s estimated 220 million citizens.

    The NIN is now a key requirement for accessing several government and financial services, making enrolment a critical step toward digital inclusion.

  • SOCU, NASSCO, NIMC collaborate on national social register update, NIN integration

    SOCU, NASSCO, NIMC collaborate on national social register update, NIN integration

    The Ogun State Operations Coordinating Unit (Ogun SOCU) of the National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO) in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) recently organised a three-day step-down training for selected members of its Community Based Targeting Teams in the 20 Local Government Areas of the State.

     The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Planning, Mrs, Olufunmilayo Dada, while declaring the training open in Abeokuta, Ogun State said the exercise, which was in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), was a thoughtful initiative of the Federal Government aimed at providing identity for the Poor and Vulnerable Households (PVHHs) across the country.

    She emphasised that the training organised for Desk Officers, Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) Officers and three Enumerators each across the 20 Local Government Areas in the State was essential at equipping them with the necessary skills and prerequisite knowledge to undertake the update of the State Social Register and NIN Integration Exercise in the State.

     According to Mrs. Aderonke Dada, Information, Education and Communication Officer, Ogun SOCU, urged the 100 participants to ensure that they participate in the training and diligently carry out the update of the State Social Register and NIN Integration Exercise thereafter.

     In her remarks, the National Coordinator, NASSCO, Dr. Funmi Olotu, represented by the National Grievance Redress Mechanism Manager, Dr. Daniel Amba, said Integrating the State Social Register with the NIN was a critical policy drive of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration aimed at providing the Poor and Vulnerable Households (PVHHs) in the country with identification, so as to ensure that the vulnerable households receive the support they need.

    “Using the NIMC device for enrollment, Kobo Collect for data collection and the subsequent updating of household information will ensure that we capture the correct data and provide the necessary support to those who need it most. As you implement this initiative, you are not only providing identity to the vulnerable households but also ensuring that they have access to critical social services and support,” she said

    Read Also: At 73, President Tinubu’s acts of compassion in leadership

     In her welcome address, the SOCU State Coordinator, Mrs. Ijeoma Adegbite, lauded the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun, for providing an enabling environment for the state SOCU to work efficiently and effectively, which had led to its great success at gathering data of poor and vulnerable households while ensuring that they were not left out of receiving the necessary support.

     In his goodwill message, Ogun State Coordinator, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Mr. Olushola Shotayo, reiterated the importance of NIN Integration to the State Social Register, saying that without accurate data, there would not be any meaningful plan and progress in the country.

     Shotayo noted the need to have a reliable National Social Register birth its harmonisation with National Identification Number (NIN), while urging trainees to pay attention to the facilitators and acquire the needed knowledge to carry out the exercise effectively.

     In their respective remarks, some of the participants, Desk Officer, Ewekoro Local Government, Mrs. Olubunmi Olakanmi, Grievance Redress Mechanism Officer, Ijebu North LGA, Mrs. Olayinka Adesanya, as well as an Enumerator from Ipokia LGA Mr. Emmanuel Godonu, appreciated the organisers of the training, promising to contribute their quota at ensuring the success of the programme in the State.

  • Humanitarian crisis: Fed Govt to link Social Register to NIN

    Humanitarian crisis: Fed Govt to link Social Register to NIN

    • ’30m Nigerians facing food insecurity, and over 3.5m displaced’

    Efforts are on to link the National Social Register (NSR) to  National Identity Numbers (NIN).

     The purpose, according to Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Minister Nentawe Yilwatda, is to ensure that linked data helps the government to anticipate crises, mobilise resources faster, and reach those who need aid.

    Yilwatda added that easily accessible data would save the country and relevant stakeholders the stress and bottlenecks of outdated processes.

     Identifying cash crunch as one of the major challenges facing the ministry in meeting humanitarian crises, he explained that bureaucracy stalls responses to all humanitarian issues.

    The minister spoke at the National Humanitarian Roundtable programme in Abuja yesterday.

    He said: “People are traumatised by climate change, security threats and economic shock across the country and in the midst of these, we have limited funding.

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    “The biggest crisis we have is not just the people being killed, it is a bureaucratic crisis that does not respond to a humanitarian crisis.

    ‘’Every delay in decision-making, every inefficiency in coordination, every shortfall in funding, costs the life of people.

    “They say knowledge is power, but knowledge can be destructive too. It can only be power if we use it effectively. By leveraging data and technology, we can anticipate crises; we can mobilise resources faster and ensure aids reach those who are in need the most. 

    “We are linking the social register to national identity numbers and geo-tagging all homes of those who are vulnerable across the country so that if there’s any crisis, we don’t need to begin to walk around communities and taking names and asking state Emergency Management Agencies and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for data. ‘’From the comfort of our offices and other offices under my office, we can respond immediately.”

    Yilwatda also said there is a need to adopt flexible financing mechanisms for swift response to humanitarian issues because traditional funding models are slow.

    His words: “We must adopt innovative and adaptive humanitarian financing. Traditional funding models are too slow for the urgency of the humanitarian crisis. I’m sure the Minister of Budget will craft a model of funding of humanitarian system in Nigeria that will respond to the gaps that we are having from international donors.

    “We must create flexible financing mechanisms that allow for rapid disbursement and adaptive response, ensuring that aid is not stalled by bureaucratic policies.

      Budget and Economic Planning Minister   Abubakar Bagudu restated that President Bola Tinubu’s   Renewed Hope Agenda is meant to create a macro-economy that would generate resources to  ‘’fund our challenges.’’

    Bagudu said: “We are quite aware that grants and aids can only go so far to support and correct temporary ad-hoc disturbances, but what we are looking for is the evolution of sustainable funding.’’

    He said the government was working with a long-term funding committee to get more resources to address humanitarian needs.

    “Flooding and drought are major drivers of humanitarian issues and they accentuate poverty.

     ‘’If we have long-term capital that can fund irrigation, poverty will reduce in many places, humanitarian intervention will be localised, and the local economy will be made to work for all.”

      United Nations Resident Representative in  Nigeria Mohammed Fall listed floods,   drought, violent conflicts, insurgency and banditry as factors limiting the country’s potential. 

    He added that Nigeria has 30 million people facing food insecurity and over 3.5 million displaced.  

    Fall said: “With an overall 60 per cent reduction in global contribution to aid, we have seen reductions in humanitarian financing, but the recent months have brought even more drastic cuts and it is time for us to think creatively about alternative financing.

    “We must focus on a newly generating fund for humanitarian development and peace initiative, including closer cooperation with the private sector, international financial institutions, and greater reliance on internally generated revenue among other options.”

    Head of the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), Trond Jensen, said stakeholders should set new targets and adjust because of the reduction in humanitarian aid in the country.

    He said globally, over $50 billion is required to meet the needs of 190 million people.

  • FG to link social register to NIN for humanitarian crisis

    FG to link social register to NIN for humanitarian crisis

    The Federal Government has disclosed that efforts are ongoing to link the National Social Register (NSR) to the National Identity Numbers (NIN).

    The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, explained that the linked data would assist the country to anticipate crises, mobilize resources faster, and ensure aid reaches those who need it the most.

    He said harnessing data would save the country and relevant stakeholders the stress and bottlenecks of outdated processes.

    He also identified bureaucratic crisis as the biggest crisis in the humanitarian space which stalls responses to humanitarian issues.

    Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday at the National Humanitarian Roundtable programme, the
    Minister said: “People are traumatized by climate change, security threats and economic shock across the country and in the midst of these, we have limited funding.

    “The biggest crisis we have is not just the people being killed, the crisis we have is a bureaucratic crisis that does not respond to a humanitarian crisis. Every delay in decision making, every inefficiency in coordination, every shortfall in funding, costs the life of people.

    “They say knowledge is power, but knowledge can be destructive too. It can only be power if we use it effectively. By leveraging data and technology, we can anticipate crises; we can mobilize resources faster and ensure aid reaches those who are in need the most and without the bottleneck of outdated processes.

    “We are linking the social register to national identity numbers and geotagging all homes of those who are vulnerable across the country so that if there’s any crisis, we don’t need to begin to walk around communities and taking names and asking the States Emergency Management Agency and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for data.

    ” From the comfort of our offices and other offices under my office, we can respond immediately”.

    He also said there was need to adopt flexible financing mechanisms for swift response to humanitarian issues, stating that the traditional funding models are too slow for the urgency of humanitarian crises.

    Yilwatda said: “We must adopt innovative and adaptive humanitarian financing. Traditional funding models are too slow for urgency of humanitarian crisis. I’m sure the Minister of Budget will craft a model of funding of humanitarian system in Nigeria that will respond to the gaps that we are having from international donors.

    “We must create flexible financing mechanisms that allow for rapid disbursement and adaptive response, ensuring that aid is not stalled by bureaucratic policies.

    He called for seamless coordination to manage the limited resources.

    The Head of The United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), Trond Jensen said stakeholders would be required to set new targets and adjust following the reduction in humanitarian aids in the country.

    He said globally, over $50 billion is required to meet the needs of 190million people.