Tinubu says 126 million Nigerians now have NIN, praises NIMC’s reforms and promises stronger digital identity systems for national growth

Tinubu NIN enrolment milestone was the centrepiece of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s address at the 7th National Identity Day, where he announced that over 126 million Nigerians have been registered with their National Identity Numbers (NIN).

Also read: Iyan Olodo by The City Pulse brings Yoruba dining to Ikeja

Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the event in Abuja on Tuesday, the President lauded the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for its transformative strides, including clearing 2.5 million backlog entries, arresting fraudulent operators, and strengthening national identity infrastructure.

President Tinubu praised NIMC for its innovation and operational upgrades, highlighting the rollout of mobile and web self-service apps, over 800 mobile enrolment devices, and new territorial offices across Nigeria.

More than 500,000 records have already been processed via these platforms.

“The power of identity is real,” Tinubu stated. “Behind these numbers are Nigerians accessing pensions, students obtaining loans, farmers receiving support, and vulnerable groups benefiting from targeted programmes.”

The President noted that diaspora inclusion is well underway, with over 200 enrolment centres operating abroad and refugees, internally displaced persons, and prison inmates now included in the national database.

A key achievement, he said, was the expansion of the identity database from 100 million to 250 million capacity, ensuring no Nigerian is excluded moving forward.

Tinubu highlighted the harmonisation of 125 agencies, such as the Immigration Service, Federal Inland Revenue Service, National Health Insurance Authority, and UBEC, all now linked to NIMC.

Efforts to combat fraud and protect citizens were also commended.

Over 30 fake registration operators have been arrested, while illegal centres were shut down in collaboration with security agencies.

Tinubu confirmed the Commission now maintains ISO 27001:2022 certification, a globally recognised standard for data security.

The recent launch of the High Availability Verification Service ensures near-perfect uptime (99.9%) for identity checks.

The President said that NIN integration across sectors would drive financial inclusion, improve governance, and reduce identity fraud, while supporting national planning and revenue generation.

According to him, the Renewed Hope Agenda places digital infrastructure at the heart of national development. “We must build trust in our digital economy through a secure and inclusive identity system,” he declared.

Director General of NIMC, Engr Abisoye Coker-Odusote, disclosed that 52% of Nigerians in the diaspora and 85% of correctional inmates have been enrolled.

She emphasised that NIMC now operates with global-standard security, dismissing any claims of data compromise.

She also reported that time spent on enrolment has dropped by 49%, while extortion and unauthorised fees have been stamped out.

Key figures at the event included the Ministers of Interior, Justice, Budget and National Planning, Works, heads of NCC, FIRS, NYSC, and other major agencies.