The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has recorded a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital identity drive, with the National Identification Number (NIN) database growing by 7 million in the first half of 2025. As of June 30, 2025, the total number of registered Nigerians with NIN stood at 121 million, up from 114 million at the end of 2024.
This rapid growth places Nigeria on track to surpass its previous annual enrolment record and achieve the NIMC’s ambitious goal of registering 95% of the population by the end of 2025.
Lagos Leads NIN Enrolment in 2025
According to NIMC’s updated enrolment dashboard:
- Lagos State remains the top-performing state with over 12.9 million NIN registrations.
- Kano State follows closely with 11.07 million enrollees.
- Kaduna State has overtaken Ogun to take the third spot with 7.1 million, while Ogun State now holds fourth place with 5.06 million.
Gender Distribution: More Males Registered
The gender breakdown shows:
- 68.4 million (56.5%) of those registered are male.
- 52.9 million (43.5%) are female.
This reflects ongoing efforts to encourage wider participation across all demographics, including women and children.
Ward Enrollment Initiative Targets Rural Coverage
To fast-track enrolment and reach underserved communities, the NIMC has launched a Ward Enrolment Initiative leveraging National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.
“Corps members selected for this programme are undergoing intensive training to reach remote areas,” the NIMC stated.
The initiative focuses particularly on children under 16, encouraging early enrolment and helping the country achieve full identity coverage.
NIMC DG: Why Enrolment is Crucial
Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director General/CEO of NIMC, emphasised the national importance of the initiative:
“The Ward Enrollment initiative will enable the government to have an accurate population count, supporting better planning and resource allocation.”
Backed by the World Bank’s ID4D Project
Nigeria’s identity push is supported by the World Bank’s Digital Identity for Development (ID4D) project, which aims to provide all citizens with a secure digital identity.
- Previous goal: 148 million NINs by June 2024 — missed deadline
- Current extension: New closure date set for June 30, 2026
- Funding partners: French Development Agency (AFD) and European Investment Bank (EIB)
- Total funding: $430 million
The extension allows Nigeria to continue expanding access while ensuring that all funds are fully and effectively disbursed.
What This Means for Nigerians
- Increased accessibility: More enrolment centres at the ward level.
- Inclusive coverage: Women and children targeted for registration.
- Better public services: Accurate identity data will improve governance, security, and service delivery.
With over 121 million Nigerians already in the NIN database and millions more expected to be enrolled through strategic initiatives, Nigeria is making significant progress toward universal digital identity coverage. Supported by global partners and driven by local innovation, the country’s digital future is taking shape—one NIN at a time.
