The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has achieved a significant milestone in its national identity registration drive by successfully enrolling 59,786 inmates across various correctional centers in Nigeria and issuing them National Identification Numbers (NINs). This achievement represents approximately 74% of the total inmate population, and NIMC is committed to completing the registration process for the remaining inmates in the near future. This initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to ensure comprehensive enrollment of all Nigerians and legal residents in the national identity database. The Director-General and CEO of NIMC, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, emphasized the commission’s commitment to inclusivity and extending identity management services to all segments of the Nigerian population, regardless of their circumstances.
This inmate enrollment drive is not an isolated effort but part of a broader national strategy to strengthen the country’s identity management system. The NIMC is actively working towards ward-level enrolment across the country to bring identity services closer to communities and ensure broader participation. This decentralized approach is crucial for achieving the ambitious target of enrolling approximately 95% of the Nigerian population by the end of the year. The collaboration with the NCoS is a testament to the inter-agency cooperation driving this initiative, and NIMC expressed its gratitude to the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Comptroller-General of NCoS, Nwakuche Ndidi, and the dedicated correctional service personnel for their invaluable support in facilitating the seamless enrollment process within the correctional facilities.
The success of the inmate enrolment program underscores the importance of inclusivity in national identity projects. By ensuring that even marginalized populations, such as inmates, are incorporated into the national identity database, Nigeria is strengthening its security infrastructure and promoting social inclusion. Having a comprehensive and reliable identification system is critical for various government functions, including effective service delivery, social welfare programs, and security operations. The NIN serves as a unique identifier for each individual, enabling efficient access to government services and facilitating accurate record-keeping. Furthermore, it plays a vital role in enhancing national security by allowing for better tracking and identification of individuals, which is essential for crime prevention and counter-terrorism efforts.
As of May 2025, NIMC has recorded significant progress, enrolling over 120 million Nigerians into its NIN database. This substantial increase in registered individuals reflects the effectiveness of the commission’s strategies and its commitment to achieving its target. The ongoing expansion of infrastructure, including upgrading biometric equipment and deploying over 1,000 registration devices across all 774 local government areas, plays a crucial role in accelerating the enrollment process and ensuring wider accessibility. The expansion is designed to accommodate the increasing demand for NIN registration and make it easier for individuals, particularly those in remote areas, to access registration centers. This strategic investment in infrastructure is a testament to the government’s commitment to building a robust and accessible national identity system.
Another key factor contributing to the success of the NIN enrollment drive is the implementation of reforms aimed at reducing corruption. NIMC has successfully reduced corruption in the enrolment process by approximately 40%, primarily through the engagement of private sector agents known as Frontier Partners. These partners are crucial in reaching underserved and hard-to-access areas, extending the reach of the registration process to remote communities and ensuring that no segment of the population is left out. By partnering with local agents, NIMC can leverage local knowledge and networks to overcome logistical challenges and promote trust within these communities. This decentralized approach is more effective in reaching marginalized populations and ensuring equitable access to the national identification system.
In conclusion, the enrolment of 59,786 inmates represents a significant achievement in Nigeria’s national identity project. This accomplishment, coupled with the ongoing ward-level enrolment initiative, underscores the country’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in identity management. By expanding infrastructure, engaging private sector partners, and implementing anti-corruption measures, Nigeria is making substantial progress towards achieving its goal of enrolling a vast majority of its population in the NIN database. This comprehensive national identity system will not only enhance national security but also facilitate efficient service delivery and promote social inclusion by ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their circumstances, are recognized and included in the national framework. The success of this initiative sets a positive precedent for other nations seeking to implement or improve their own national identity systems, highlighting the importance of inclusivity, technological advancements, and strategic partnerships in achieving comprehensive coverage and building a robust and reliable system.
