The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation, revealing that National Identification Number (NIN) enrolments have skyrocketed by 17 million in just five months. As of February 28, 2025, the total number of NIN registrations has reached an impressive 117.3 million, up from 100.3 million in September 2024.
This dramatic increase underscores the growing importance of the NIN as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s digital identity policy. The latest figures released by NIMC show a clear demographic breakdown, with 66.2 million (56.5%) of registered individuals being male and 51.07 million (43.5%) being female.
Geographically, Lagos State leads the charge with 12.6 million registrations, reflecting its status as Nigeria’s most populous city. Kano and Kaduna states follow closely, with 10.2 million and 6.9 million registrations, respectively. Other states with high enrolment figures include Ogun (4.9 million), Oyo (4.5 million), and Katsina (4 million). Conversely, Bayelsa (758,111) and Ebonyi (990,775) states recorded the lowest numbers of registrations.
This surge in NIN enrolments is driven by the government’s push to integrate the NIN into various aspects of daily life. Citizens are increasingly required to link their NIN to access essential services, including social welfare programs, financial transactions, and telecommunications services. This mandate has accelerated the adoption of the NIN, reinforcing its role as a crucial component of digital governance.
The government anticipates that the widespread adoption of the NIN will enhance security, improve transparency, and streamline the delivery of public services across the nation. By establishing a robust and accessible digital identity infrastructure, Nigeria aims to foster a more efficient and inclusive digital economy.
“This remarkable increase in NIN enrolments signifies a major step forward in our journey towards a digital Nigeria,” stated a spokesperson for NIMC. “We are committed to ensuring that every citizen has access to a secure and reliable digital identity, which will ultimately benefit the entire nation.”
The NIMC continues to expand its enrolment capacity and improve its processes to accommodate the growing demand for NIN registrations, solidifying Nigeria’s commitment to building a comprehensive and effective digital identity system.