NIMC Enrols 136 Million Nigerians as New Identity Act Takes Effect
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) says it has enrolled no fewer than 136 million Nigerians into the National Identity Database, marking a significant milestone in the country’s drive toward a comprehensive digital identity system.
The Director-General of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, disclosed this on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in Abuja.
Coker-Odusote attributed the achievement to the implementation of the newly enacted NIMC Act 2026, which repeals the National Identity Management Commission Act of 2007 and introduces a modern legal framework for Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem.
She explained that under the new legislation, the National Identity Number (NIN) has been designated as the country’s foundational identity credential under the “One Person, One Identity” policy.
According to her, the Act also establishes NIMC as the root certificate authority for Nigeria’s national digital infrastructure while introducing enhanced provisions for data protection, cybersecurity, and the issuance of secure digital credentials.
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The NIMC boss reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to enrolling all Nigerians and legal residents into the national identity database within the shortest possible time.
She also expressed the Commission’s readiness to collaborate with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to leverage the National Identity Number for evidence-based economic planning, policy formulation, and national development initiatives.
Speaking during the visit, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, described the new NIMC Act as a landmark legislation that would strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem and support more effective national planning.
Bagudu stressed the need for stronger collaboration among federal, state, and local government institutions to build public confidence in the identity management system and eliminate duplication across identity databases.
“The National Identity Number should serve as Nigeria’s single, universally accepted identity standard, supporting efficient public service delivery, effective governance, and national development,” the minister said.
He also commended the leadership of the National Identity Management Commission for facilitating the passage of the legislation, noting that its long-term success would depend on effective implementation and the tangible benefits it delivers to citizens.
By PRNigeria
