Nigeria Steps Up Digital Identity Registration Through Expanded Ministry and NIMC Collaboration
The Federal Government is strengthening its push for nationwide digital identity registration through closer cooperation between the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). The initiative forms part of the administration’s broader agenda to expand digital inclusion and improve access to public services.
The renewed partnership was announced during a meeting in Abuja between the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker Odusote, alongside senior officials from the commission. The engagement followed the signing of the new NIMC Act 2026.
Government officials said expanding the National Identity Database remains a key priority, describing digital identity as a critical foundation for efficient governance, economic planning, financial inclusion, and the delivery of digital public services. While more than 136 million people have already been enrolled, authorities intend to extend registration efforts to reach millions of Nigerians who are yet to obtain a National Identification Number.
To increase participation, the government plans to work through the nationwide network of the National Orientation Agency, which has offices in all 774 local government areas. The agency will support large-scale public awareness campaigns aimed at educating citizens on the value of digital identity registration and encouraging wider enrolment.
The minister praised NIMC for maintaining the integrity of its digital identity platform and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting awareness efforts through its communication channels, including the News Agency of Nigeria, to ensure more Nigerians understand the benefits of joining the national identity system.
NIMC noted that the newly enacted legislation introduces a more modern legal framework for identity management by incorporating stronger provisions around cybersecurity, data protection, digital public infrastructure, and digital trust. The law also formally recognises the commission as the country’s primary digital identity authority.
The commission has also begun a ward-by-ward registration exercise covering all 8,809 political wards nationwide. The campaign is designed to improve inclusion by reaching underserved groups such as women, children, people living with disabilities, rural communities, refugees, legal residents, and Nigerians in the diaspora.
Beyond expanding enrolment, NIMC said it continues to collaborate with security agencies and other government institutions to reduce identity-related fraud and strengthen trust in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. The commission added that its identity platform is now connected to more than 250 ministries, departments, and agencies, helping to streamline service delivery and speed up registration processes.
According to the government, the strengthened partnership is expected to accelerate the development of a more inclusive and secure digital identity ecosystem that supports public service delivery, economic growth, and Nigeria’s ongoing digital transformation.
