Transforming Nigeria’s Digital Identity Landscape: A Leap Towards Inclusion and Efficiency
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has been working tirelessly to revolutionize Nigeria’s digital identity system, and the results are promising. Under the leadership of Director General/CEO Abisoye Coker-Odusote, NIMC has made significant strides in increasing enrollment, improving transparency, and enhancing service delivery.
Increasing Enrollment and Promoting Inclusion
One of the most notable achievements of NIMC is the remarkable increase in National Identity Number (NIN) enrollment. Since January 2022, enrollment has skyrocketed by 49%, reaching over 122 million Nigerians as of July 2025. This milestone underscores the commission’s commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian has access to a verifiable means of identification ¹ ².
To promote inclusion, NIMC has deployed over 7,167 trained and revalidated front-end enrollment agents to reach underserved communities, including persons with disabilities, women, and children. The commission has also introduced digital tools like the NINAuth mobile app and self-service enrollment solutions to improve accuracy and reduce waiting times ¹ ³.
Institutional and Systemic Reforms
NIMC has implemented various reforms to address deep-rooted issues that once plagued the identity enrollment process. These include ³ ¹:
- Curtailment of Unofficial Fees: Unofficial fees have been reduced by over 40% through the enforcement of a transparent fee structure.
- Standardization of Modification Fees: Modification and authentication fees are now standardized and publicly disclosed.
- System Automation and Backend Upgrades: NIMC has invested in system automation, backend upgrades, and capacity expansion to enhance service delivery.
Digital Tools and Services
The commission has introduced innovative digital tools to improve the enrollment experience and provide citizens with greater control over their identities. These include ¹ ³ ⁴:
- NINAuth Mobile App: A cutting-edge verification tool that allows Nigerians to control their data and enjoy smoother interactions with public and private entities.
- Self-Service Enrollment and Modification App: A user-friendly platform that enables citizens to update their records and enroll in a more accessible way.
- Contactless Biometric Solutions: A technology that improves accuracy and reduces waiting times.
Partnerships and Collaborations
NIMC has partnered with various government organizations and private sector entities to enhance service delivery and promote digital identity inclusion. Some notable partnerships include ¹ ²:
- Government Agencies: NIMC has collaborated with agencies like the National Health Insurance Scheme, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, and others to streamline identity verification processes.
- Private Sector Entities: Partnerships with entities like SMEDAN, NSITF, and CreditCorp have enabled citizens to access essential services like student loans, agricultural subsidies, and credit facilities.
The Future of Digital Identity in Nigeria
As NIMC continues to push the boundaries of digital identity inclusion, the launch of the General Multipurpose Card (GMPC) by October 2025 is eagerly anticipated. The GMPC will serve as a secure, multifunctional ID enabling access to government services, banking, insurance, and more ² ¹.
In conclusion, NIMC’s efforts to transform Nigeria’s digital identity landscape are yielding positive results. With increased enrollment, improved transparency, and enhanced service delivery, the commission is on track to creating a robust and inclusive digital identity system that benefits all Nigerians.
