By Kingsley Samuel
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC, says Nigeria is intensifying efforts to transform its identity management system into a fully integrated Digital Public Infrastructure, DPI, with a target of 180 million enrolments by December 2026.
The Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, disclosed this during a presentation at ID4Africa 2026, where she outlined Nigeria’s digital identity journey, reforms, achievements, and future roadmap.
According to her, Nigeria’s identity management evolution dates back to 1977 under the military era, while the establishment of the Commission through Act No. 23 of 2007 formally laid the foundation for a centralized national identity database.
She said the identity system has since transitioned from a fragmented enrolment structure to a modern digital ecosystem designed to support governance, national security, financial inclusion, and efficient service delivery.
Coker-Odusote noted that between 2007 and 2023, key milestones included the creation of the National Identity Database (NIDB), the rollout of digital tools such as the NIN Mobile App, deployment of the Person Identification Verification Service (PIVS), and the enforcement of the NIN-SIM linkage policy.“
These reforms significantly strengthened identity verification across telecommunications, banking, and public service delivery,” she said, adding that they also accelerated enrolment growth nationwide.
Speaking on current priorities, she explained that the 2023–2027 strategic agenda focuses on database harmonisation, expansion of enrolment infrastructure, increased public-private sector collaboration, and revitalisation of the General Multi-Purpose Card (GMPC).
She said the ongoing reforms are positioning identity infrastructure as a critical enabler of economic reform, social inclusion, transparent governance, and national security.
Coker-Odusote further stated that the transition to a unified digital identity system became necessary due to challenges such as fragmented databases, limited interoperability, infrastructure gaps, rural access limitations, and legislative constraints.
According to her, in 2025, NIMC undertook major infrastructure upgrades, database harmonisation efforts, and institutional reforms aimed at improving efficiency and enforcement capacity.She highlighted the introduction of the NINAuth application in October 2025, describing it as a major breakthrough in secure, consent-based identity verification.
“NINAuth has become a key enabler for real-time identity verification, reducing bureaucratic delays and improving access to services,” she noted.
On progress so far, the Commission disclosed that Nigeria had attained 127 million unique identity records by December 2025, supported by the deployment of over 800 mobile enrolment devices across the country.
It added that the system currently processes about 3.3 million identity verification requests daily, while averaging five million new enrolments monthly.
The agency also revealed that approximately 2.5 million manual adjudication records had been cleared, with full migration to the NINAuth platform underway to enhance real-time verification.
On integration, NIMC said the National Identification Number (NIN) is now linked with key institutions including the Nigeria Immigration Service, National Health Insurance Authority, NELFUND, the National Social Safety Net programme, the Universal Basic Education Commission, and telecommunications operators.It added that over 153 million SIM cards have been linked to verified identities, strengthening accountability and national security in the telecoms sector.
The Commission also highlighted its inclusion drive, noting that over 206,000 refugees and internally displaced persons, as well as 32,000 inmates, have been enrolled into the national identity system.
Coker-Odusote reaffirmed that Nigeria’s identity reform agenda remains central to building a trusted digital economy, adding that deeper regulatory reforms, rural expansion, and stronger public engagement will shape the next phase of implementation.
She also urged African countries to adopt integrated digital identity systems, describing them as essential infrastructure for inclusive growth, governance efficiency, and sustainable development across the continent.
