…says over 123 Million Nigerians Enrolled in NIN… Moves to Cover 40% Birth Registration Gap
The Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, has announced that over 123 million Nigerians are now captured in the National Identification Database, describing the National Identification Number (NIN) as the “gateway to opportunity, protection, and dignity” for every citizen.
Speaking at the 7th National Identity Day Conference 2025 in Abuja, themed “PKI: Backbone to Digital Public Infrastructure”, Coker-Odusote stressed that Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is the security backbone of Nigeria’s digital public services.
She revealed that strategic partnerships with health, immigration, correctional, banking, and telecommunications institutions have reduced registration waiting time by 49% and improved diaspora enrollment by 52%.
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“Identity is more than a number. It is inclusion, protection, and empowerment,” she declared.
The NIMC boss dismissed rumours of a breach in the national database, insisting the system remains “fortified and secure.” She said attempts to infiltrate the database have failed, while collaborations with the Nigeria Police Cybercrime Centre and banks have strengthened safeguards against fraud.
Highlighting empowerment, Coker-Odusote disclosed that the NIN has enabled over 449,000 students to access loans worth ₦86.35 billion under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), while also driving financial inclusion, particularly for women.
She added that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security leveraged the NIN to distribute over 30,000 metric tonnes of subsidised rice, cushioning the impact of rising food costs.
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However, she admitted challenges remain, especially in bridging the 40% gap in birth registrations and reducing gender disparities in enrollment.
Coker-Odusote reaffirmed NIMC’s target to achieve 95% identity inclusion within the next year.
“Every Nigerian counted is a step closer to a stronger nation. Identity is power, protection, and participation,” she concluded.
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