The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) under the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government announced on Friday that the National Identity Number (NIN) had reached 107,338,044, marking a growth of 3.2 million from the 104 million reported at the end of last year.
Also, the Commission revealed plans to introduce a universal multipurpose NIN card, requiring payment from Nigerians.
Addressing the press in Abuja, the Director General of the Commission, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, emphasized the commitment to comprehensive registration, noting a surge in enrollment.
She underscored ongoing efforts to modernize systems, implement advanced technologies, upgrade outdated equipment, and combat fraud and extortion.
Coker-Odusote highlighted the expansion of enrollment centers nationwide, aiming for total Nigerian registration. She projected a system upgrade from 100 million to 250 million capacity within the next six to eight months.
Furthermore, she indicated intentions to review service prices for improved delivery, pledging prosecution for any staff involved in illicit activities.
She said, “All we are trying to do is to ensure that we provide a robust service for Nigerian citizens and legal residents. And to ensure that life is easy and seamless. One should not spend three to four hours in the NIMC office because of NIN services. It is something I will not allow to continue to happen. We will provide all necessary means to address the issue.
“We are clamping down on extortioners parading themselves as NIMC staff. A lot of people have lost their money to extortioners.
“Any staff of NIMC that tries to work with illegal perpetrators will face disciplinary committee and be tried according to the Cybercrime Act 2015 and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023. Same with any illegal perpetrators. We will make sure we create proper communication to gauge against extortioners.
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“We are going to review our rate. It is not going to be much, but it will be reviewed. We have not reviewed our rate for a long time. It is not going to be exorbitant.”
She clarified that Nigerians would need to pay a specific fee to obtain the new general multipurpose national identity card via financial institutions within the country. She emphasized that this card would grant access to various digital services and bolster financial inclusion.
“Just like how you pay to access your ATM cards in the banks, Nigerians will pay through the banks to access their cards within 48 hours. We are partnering with Afrigo to ensure seamless delivery of cards to citizens after payment to get the digital multipurpose card,” she said.
She emphasized that those seeking the card must apply using their NIN via a self-service online portal or through banks.
She reiterated that NIN registration remains cost-free for citizens.’
Additionally, she elaborated on NIMC’s collaboration with entities such as the Students Loan Board and NYSC, as well as other government bodies overseeing relief distribution.
She noted plans to leverage the NIMC identity database for government services, aiming to enhance accountability and eradicate fraudulent beneficiaries.
