Nigeria’s National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment has risen to about 142 million, representing approximately 78 per cent growth from the more than 80 million people captured in the National Identity Database when President Bola Tinubu assumed office.
President Tinubu disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during the 2026 National Identity Day celebration organised by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, the President directed NIMC to expand NIN enrolment to 95 per cent of the population by December 2026.
“Today, NIN enrolment stands at about 142 million, a remarkable increase from the over 80 million Nigerians captured in the National Identity Database when we assumed office,” Tinubu said.
“The next target is clear: we must work towards 95 per cent coverage by December 2026.”
To close the remaining identity gap, the President said the government would expand enrolment through ward-level registration, mobile enrolment and licensed registration agents.
Tinubu said the government’s objective goes beyond increasing enrolment numbers, stressing that Nigeria needs a digital identity infrastructure capable of supporting a wider range of public and digital services.
“Nigeria must build an identity system that is continuously useful, secure and responsive to the needs of Nigerians,” he said.
He said the administration is developing an interconnected digital public system that could support services such as electronic health records and transport systems, while improving the coordination of government data.
The President, however, stressed that digital identity expansion must protect citizens’ privacy and rights.
“We must do this while protecting the rights, privacy and dignity of our citizens. The digital state must never become a state without accountability,” he said.
Tinubu added that Nigeria’s digital transformation must balance innovation with responsibility, efficiency with inclusion, and security with trust, ultimately improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.