The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has been handed its most ambitious challenge since inception: to register at least 3.3 million Nigerians every month from now until December 2026 in order to meet the World Bank’s revised target of 180 million National Identification Numbers (NINs).
The NIN, Nigeria’s equivalent of the United States Social Security Number, is designed to serve as a single, verifiable identity system that links biometric and demographic data—including fingerprints, facial images, and signatures—with an individual’s official and financial records. Over time, the system is expected to integrate with credit history and other essential data points, making it central to governance and service delivery.
For the NIMC, which has faced years of logistical hurdles, inadequate funding, and public skepticism, the scale of this new mandate represents an unprecedented test. With a population estimated at over 220 million, of which tens of millions remain unregistered, the task will require both expanded infrastructure and stronger partnerships with state governments, private sector players, and international partners.
Officials say the overarching goal is to create a reliable identity framework that ensures every Nigerian, regardless of income or location, can access essential services—from healthcare and education to financial inclusion and social protection—using a single ID.
The World Bank, which has supported Nigeria’s identity management drive through loans and technical assistance, views the initiative as vital for the country’s economic development, digital governance, and poverty reduction strategies. Achieving the 180 million NIN milestone could also position Nigeria as a regional leader in identity management across Africa.
However, observers warn that challenges such as poor connectivity in rural areas, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and data security concerns must be urgently addressed if the target is to be met within the two-year window.
If successful, the NIN rollout could redefine how Nigerians interact with the state and the economy, streamlining processes that range from opening bank accounts to accessing welfare schemes. But for NIMC, the next 27 months will be a decisive proving ground.
