Nigeria has crossed another major milestone in its digital identity programme, with more than 136 million Nigerians and legal residents now enrolled in the National Identity Database, as the Federal Government begins implementing the newly signed National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026.
The development marks a significant expansion of the country’s digital identity ecosystem, strengthening efforts to provide every Nigerian and legal resident with a unique and verifiable identity while enhancing access to government and private sector services.
The recently enacted legislation replaces the NIMC Act of 2007, establishing a modern legal framework designed to align Nigeria’s identity management system with evolving technologies, international standards and the country’s growing digital economy. The new law also reinforces the government’s “One Person, One Identity” policy and introduces stricter measures against identity-related offences.
Officials say the expanded identity database is expected to improve national security, streamline public service delivery, strengthen financial inclusion and support digital governance by enabling more reliable identity verification across government agencies and private institutions.
The National Identity Management Commission has steadily increased enrolment in recent years through nationwide registration campaigns, mobile enrolment initiatives and partnerships aimed at reaching underserved communities. The commission is also pursuing broader integration of the National Identification Number (NIN) into essential public and commercial services.
Nigeria’s digital identity programme remains one of the largest in Africa and forms a key pillar of the country’s digital transformation agenda. Beyond expanding enrolment, the government’s focus is increasingly shifting toward improving the integrity, security and practical use of digital identities in delivering public services, promoting economic inclusion and supporting innovation.
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