The National Identity Management Commission has announced that it has successfully registered more than 136 million Nigerians and legal residents into the National Identity Database (NIDB). This means that over 136 million people now have their details recorded in the country’s national identity system. The achievement is seen as an important step in helping the government build a reliable identity system for everyone living legally in Nigeria.
The Director-General of NIMC, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, made this announcement during a courtesy visit to the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. The visit was part of the commission’s efforts to meet with different Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The purpose of these meetings is to discuss how the newly approved NIMC Act will be put into action across government institutions.
According to a statement released by the commission, Coker-Odusote used the meeting to explain the important parts of the new NIMC Act. The new law has replaced the old NIMC Act that was introduced in 2007. The government believes the new law is more suitable for today’s digital world and will help improve the way identity management works in Nigeria.
The statement explained that the new Act brings several important changes. One of the biggest changes is that the National Identification Number (NIN) will now become the main identity number for every Nigerian and every legal resident in the country. This supports the government’s “one person, one identity” policy. Under this policy, every individual is expected to have only one official identity that can be used to access different government and private services.
The new law also gives NIMC a stronger responsibility in Nigeria’s digital system. The commission will now serve as the main authority responsible for verifying digital identities across the country. This means NIMC will play a major role in making sure that digital identity records are safe, accurate, and trusted by government agencies, businesses, and other organisations.
Another important part of the new Act is the protection of personal information. The statement said the law includes stronger measures to protect people’s data from being stolen or misused. It also introduces better cybersecurity systems to protect the National Identity Database from hackers and other online threats. These improvements are expected to make Nigerians feel more confident that their personal information is secure.
The Act also introduces digital identity credentials. These digital credentials will allow people to prove their identity more easily when using government services or carrying out official activities. Instead of depending only on physical identity cards, people will also be able to use secure digital identity tools where necessary.
During the meeting, Coker-Odusote repeated the Federal Government’s promise to register every Nigerian and every legal resident into the national identity system as quickly as possible. She said the commission is working hard to make sure that everyone who is eligible receives a National Identification Number without unnecessary delays. According to her, this will help more people enjoy government services and participate fully in the country’s economy.
She also said that NIMC is ready to work closely with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. According to her, the National Identification Number can help the government make better decisions when planning for the country’s future. With accurate identity information, the government can know the population better, plan social programmes more effectively, and ensure that public resources reach the right people.
Coker-Odusote explained that reliable identity data is important for national development. She said proper identity records help government agencies understand the needs of citizens and make better plans for healthcare, education, employment, security, and infrastructure. She added that accurate information can also improve transparency and reduce fraud in government programmes.
The Director-General also thanked the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, for his support and leadership. She appreciated his efforts in helping government agencies work together to achieve the goals of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. According to her, cooperation between ministries and agencies is important for the successful implementation of the new identity system.
In his own remarks, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu welcomed the progress made by NIMC. He assured the commission that the Federal Government is fully committed to making sure the NIMC Act 2026 is properly implemented. He said the government understands the importance of a strong national identity system and will continue to support its development.
Bagudu described the new law as an important achievement for Nigeria. According to him, the legislation will improve the country’s digital identity system and create more opportunities for national growth. He explained that having a trusted identity system will make planning easier for government officials because they will have more accurate information about the country’s population.
The minister also said the new identity system will support many government programmes. He explained that when people have verified identities, it becomes easier to provide social welfare, distribute government support, improve tax administration, and deliver public services more efficiently. This will also reduce waste and help ensure that government assistance reaches those who truly need it.
He added that the National Identification Number will continue to play an important role in Nigeria’s economic planning. With reliable identity records, government agencies can collect better information, improve decision-making, and develop policies that benefit citizens. He said this will contribute to faster national development and better management of public resources.
The meeting also showed the importance of cooperation between government institutions. Both NIMC and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning agreed that working together is necessary to achieve the goals of the new Act. They expressed confidence that continued partnership will help improve service delivery and strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy.
The Federal Government believes that expanding the national identity database will bring many benefits to the country. A complete and accurate identity system can improve security, reduce identity fraud, support financial inclusion, and make it easier for citizens to access banking, healthcare, education, telecommunications, and many other important services.
With more than 136 million people already enrolled, NIMC says it will continue its registration exercise across the country. The commission plans to reach more Nigerians living in both urban and rural communities, as well as legal residents who have not yet registered. Officials say the goal is to ensure that every eligible person is included in the National Identity Database within the shortest possible time.
The government believes that the successful implementation of the new NIMC Act will strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity system, improve national planning, support economic growth, and help build a more efficient and transparent public service. Officials remain confident that continued cooperation between government agencies will make the country’s identity management system stronger and more beneficial for all Nigerians.