NIN Registration Surges to 110m as Tinubu Champions Digital Identity

President Bola Tinubu has said that his administration’s eight-point agenda is intrinsically linked to the success of the coun­try’s digital identity initiatives.

The eight-point agenda are food security, ending poverty, eco­nomic growth and job creation, access to capital, improving se­curity, enhancing the business environment, upholding the rule of law, and fighting corruption.

The president also pledged his commitment to assist the Nation­al Identity Management Commis­sion in establishing a robust and efficient digital identity system, emphasising that every Nige­rian’s unique proof of identity underscores their fundamental right to protection, sustenance, and support as recognised mem­bers of society, regardless of their location.

This was as the number of Nigerians with National Identifi­cation Numbers increased to 110 million.

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The new figure is a 2.39 per­cent increase from the 107.34 mil­lion that was recorded as of the end of May 2024.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Govern­ment of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, spoke at the Na­tional Day of Identity, organised by the National Identity Manage­ment Commission (NIMC).

The event was to commemo­rate the sixth edition of the Na­tional Day of Identity-themed, ‘Digital Public Infrastructure: Enabling Access to Services’ on Monday in Abuja.

The National Day of Identity is a day stakeholders come to­gether in recognition of the fun­damental right of every citizen in Nigeria and across the globe to have a unique verifiable proof of identity.

He added that the Renewed Hope initiative is his administra­tion’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and improving the living standards of all Nigerians.

Tinubu said, “In today’s digi­tal age, the ability to prove one’s identity is not just a matter of convenience; it is a cornerstone of our socioeconomic progress. Digital Public Infrastructure is the backbone that enables access to essential services, from health­care and education to financial in­clusion and social welfare.

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“It is through robust DPI that we can ensure every Nigerian, regardless of their background or location, has the opportu­nity to participate fully in our nation’s growth. Our adminis­tration’s 8-point agenda, which includes food security, ending poverty, economic growth and job creation, access to capital, improving security, enhanc­ing the business environment, upholding the rule of law, and fighting corruption, is intrinsi­cally linked to the success of our digital identity initiatives.

“By leveraging DPI, we can streamline service delivery, re­duce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and ensure that government pro­grammes reach those who need them most. A robust, efficient dig­ital identity system has proven vi­tal for the success of government programmes like providing in­centives for farmers, the student loan scheme, the National Youth Talent Export Programme, the Renewed Hope City and Estate Housing initiative, the Skill-Up Artisans Programme and others.

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“Verifiable identity is crucial in ensuring the right services and assistance goes to the right people in need of them. Digital identity is a key enabler of this vision. It empowers individuals, facilitates economic transactions, and enhances transparency and accountability in governance. With a reliable digital identity system, we can build a more in­clusive and prosperous Nigeria,” the president added.

On her part, the Commis­sion’s Director General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, said Nigeria is currently on the right path to­wards the harmonisation of its digital identity.

She stated that this accom­plishment results from the stra­tegic plan implemented by the current NIMC management, highlighting that the role of DPI has become indispensable to Ni­geria’s economic development.

Odusote said, “The role of DPI has become indispensable to Nigeria’s economic development, as it offers a framework that con­nects citizens to essential services such as social welfare, healthcare, education, and financial inclu­sion. At the forefront of this trans­formation is NIMC, responsible for the National Identification Number, which has enrolled over 110 million Nigerians.

“This provides a unique op­portunity for the other two pillars of the DPI – data exchange and payment – to be layered on foun­dational identity for its effective development and adoption.”

The NIMC DG added that the digital infrastructure has also assisted the government and fi­nancial institutions in facilitating digital payments, digital money, digital identity and digital pro­cesses.

She explained that the Student Loan Initiative which has bene­fitted 257 institutions, registered 332,715 students for loans, and made payments to over 18,000 students showcases how DPI can eliminate financial barriers to education.

“I must say we are on the right path and key strides have been made through collaboration and partnerships with government agencies and private sector play­ers linking of NINs and phone numbers with the telecommuni­cation companies, NIN and Bank Verification Number harmonisa­tion with financial institutions to facilitate digital payments, digital money, digital identity and digital processes, amongst others.

“Furthermore, the Student Loan Initiative showcases how DPI can eliminate financial bar­riers to education. By collaborat­ing with 257 institutions, 332,715 students have been registered for loans, and over 18,000 students have already received payments through the initiative,” she added.

The Minister of Interior, Ol­ubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the day was worth celebrating as it would open up new opportunities for Ni­gerians to actively participate in government programmes and enjoy the benefits thereof.

He said the digital identity system enables the government to plan for its socio-economic pro­grammes and other challenges, noting that it remains critical to the social and financial develop­ment of the country.

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