President Bola Tinubu has announced that more than 126 million Nigerians have now been captured in the National Identity Database with their National Identification Numbers (NIN).
The President, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday at the 7th National Identity Day celebration organised by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
Tinubu commended NIMC for clearing a backlog of 2.5 million records and for working with security agencies to arrest over 30 operators of illegal registration centres. He described identity as “the foundation of citizenship, the gateway to opportunity, and the anchor for national security.”
The President said the ongoing expansion of the identity system is central to his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that the National Identity Number now underpins government services, financial inclusion, and security operations.
He highlighted progress made by NIMC, including upgrading the database capacity from 100 million to 250 million, deploying over 1,500 enrolment devices nationwide, and establishing more than 200 diaspora centres. He also noted harmonisation with 125 partner agencies, covering immigration, tax, healthcare, education, and telecommunications.
Tinubu said the system has already enabled pension claims, student loans, targeted farm incentives, and humanitarian support for displaced persons. He added that 200,000 Nigerians abroad and 85 percent of inmates in correctional facilities have also been enrolled.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, pledged continued integration of identity systems to drive Nigeria’s digital economy, while NIMC Director-General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, assured that the commission’s infrastructure meets global security standards.
The event was attended by top government officials, including the Ministers of Justice, Budget and National Planning, Works, and Agriculture.
