NIMC overseas NIN enrolment allows Nigerians abroad to register for their National Identification Number through accredited centres worldwide

The National Identity Management Commission has announced that Nigerians living abroad can now obtain their National Identification Number through accredited enrolment centres overseas, eliminating the need to travel back to Nigeria to complete registration.

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The commission disclosed in a statement on Tuesday that the NIMC overseas NIN enrolment programme, introduced in 2019, enables eligible applicants to complete biometric registration through a network of licensed partners operating across Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.

Under the arrangement, the National Identity Management Commission authorises Nigerian companies to collaborate with partner organisations in host countries to capture applicants’ fingerprints, facial images and supporting documents on behalf of the commission.

The Technical Adviser to the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission on Media and Communications, Ayodele Babalola, said the initiative has become increasingly significant as the Federal Government continues to integrate the National Identification Number into access to public and financial services.

“The NIN is now required for a growing number of official transactions,” Ayodele Babalola said.

Since March 2024, the Central Bank of Nigeria has mandated the use of the National Identification Number for bank account operations, while the number also remains compulsory for passport applications and renewals.

The identity number is equally required for SIM card registration under regulations enforced by the Nigerian Communications Commission, strengthening efforts to build a unified and secure national identity system.

Officials say the expansion of NIMC overseas NIN enrolment is particularly relevant given the size and economic influence of Nigeria’s diaspora population.

According to data from the International Organisation for Migration, Nigeria’s diaspora is estimated at more than 17 million people, making it one of the largest in Africa.

The World Bank also ranks Nigeria among the world’s leading recipients of diaspora remittances, with annual inflows exceeding 20 billion dollars in recent years.

Despite this contribution, many Nigerians abroad have remained outside the national identity database, often facing delays in accessing government services or renewing travel documents because of missing identity credentials.

To improve accessibility, the commission said Nigerians enrolled abroad can retrieve their National Identification Number through the NIMC Mobile Digital ID App, available on Android and iOS devices.

The application provides users with a virtual identity card that includes a QR code and enables individuals to tokenise or mask their NIN when sharing it for verification purposes.

In addition, the commission operates an online self service modification portal that allows registered users to update personal details such as names, dates of birth and phone numbers remotely.

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The National Identity Management Commission advised prospective applicants to visit its official website to obtain information on authorised enrolment locations and identify licensed centres operating in their countries of residence.