NIMC Seeks Wider Adoption of NIN for Public Services

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to deepen the use of digital identity systems across public and private services, with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) urging broader adoption of the National Identification Number (NIN) as a core tool for service delivery.

The Commission said the expansion is part of ongoing reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and improve governance efficiency through secure identity verification systems.

The position was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Head of Corporate Communications, NIMC, Kayode Adegoke.

Speaking at a digital conference in Abuja themed “Building Africa’s Digital Foundations Together,” the Director-General/CEO of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, said Nigeria’s digital identity drive is central to improving access to services and strengthening national systems.

She was represented at the event by the Head of Infrastructure Technology and Identity Databases (IT/IDD), Mr. Sulaiman Falade.

According to her, the Commission is driving reforms aimed at building a unified and secure identity ecosystem that supports both government operations and private sector innovation.

She explained that the National Identification Number (NIN) remains the backbone of Nigeria’s digital identity framework, serving as the primary means of authentication and verification for citizens and legal residents.

“In line with the Presidential Directive of April 5, 2024, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies are required to ensure the effective use of the NIN in data capture, identity verification, and biometric authentication across digital services,” she said.

She added that NIMC has put structures in place to ensure full compliance with the directive across government institutions and service platforms.

Coker-Odusote noted that expanding the use of NIN is critical to reducing identity fragmentation, improving transparency, and ensuring seamless access to government services.

She further said that the integration of digital identity systems with the National Public Key Infrastructure (nPKI) is strengthening trust in digital transactions and enhancing data protection for citizens.

According to her, Nigeria’s DPI framework is also designed to promote accountability, improve service efficiency, and support economic growth through secure digital systems.

The NIMC boss called on stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to support the full implementation of the national identity ecosystem.

She stressed that wider adoption of the NIN would help eliminate inefficiencies in service delivery while improving access to critical national databases.

“The Commission remains committed to leveraging technology, innovation, and secure digital systems to build a more connected and resilient nation,” she said.

The Federal Government has continued to position digital identity as a key pillar in its broader digital transformation agenda, with ongoing reforms expected to deepen integration across sectors.