Abuja: President Bola Tinubu has emphasized the significant role that Nigeria’s digital identity infrastructure will play in enhancing various sectors including digital commerce, financial services, healthcare, education, social protection, and cross-border transactions. Tinubu articulated these views in his keynote address at the 8th National Day of Identity in Abuja, themed ‘Nigeria’s Digital Public Ecosystem: Powering Africa’s Digital Economy’.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the President, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, underscored the importance of a trusted identity for national development. He stated that every citizen needs recognition, protection, and service by the nation. The introduction of the NIMC Act 2026, which replaced the 2007 Act, has strengthened the legal framework for identity management, including personal data protection and measures against identity offenses.
Tinubu further noted that digital identity extends beyond mere documentation or numbering; it forms part of the digital foundation essential for a modern Nigeria’s development.
NIMC Director-General/CEO, Mrs. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, highlighted the major reforms initiated since she took office in August 2023. She pointed out the transformation of Nigeria’s identity ecosystem and the enactment of the NIMC Act 2026 as significant milestones. The Act designates NIMC as the root certificate authority for public key infrastructure and digital public infrastructure, enhancing the commission’s regulatory powers.
Coker-Odusote also outlined the commission’s five-point agenda, which includes increasing enrolment, harmonizing identity data, issuing the national e-ID card, promoting identity-enabled financial inclusion, and establishing NIN as the foundational national identifier.
Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasized the importance of a trusted digital identity for the country’s digital development, describing it as a fundamental enabler in the digital age. The government aims to establish a secure and inclusive digital public infrastructure, ensuring no Nigerian is left behind due to location, income, disability, or technology access.
Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, commended NIMC for its significant achievements, particularly in increasing enrolment and integration with other sectors. He assured continued government support for the commission to eliminate obstacles and improve inter-agency coordination.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, highlighted the role of identity in education reforms, crucial for identifying learners, teachers, and institutions, and addressing the issue of out-of-school children. He urged NIMC to expand enrolment among the estimated 75 million to 80 million school-going population.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the identity database exceeded 141 million records as of Tuesday, with enrolment access expanded to over 8,000 centers nationwide. The commission’s records indicate support from about 32,000 trained and certified agents and the success of the Ward-Level Enrolment Initiative reaching 6,720. Additionally, the commission achieved approximately 10 million enrolments in six months and expanded the National Identity Database capacity from 100 million to 250 million records.