Nigeria has taken another step forward in strengthening its national digital identity infrastructure following the delivery of 350 NIMC-certified Android devices from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The devices, designed specifically for National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment, were officially handed over to the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) at its headquarters in Abuja.
The donation is expected to significantly expand access to NIN registration across the country, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach communities where enrolment infrastructure remains limited. By equipping NIPOST with mobile, certified enrolment devices, the initiative supports the federal government’s ongoing push to build a more inclusive and efficient digital identity system.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, NIPOST’s Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer, Tola Odeyemi, described the contribution as a strategic intervention that aligns with Nigeria’s broader digital transformation goals. According to her, the devices will enable NIPOST to deepen its role as a national service delivery platform, bringing identity registration closer to citizens who have historically faced barriers to enrolment.
Odeyemi noted that the devices are fully equipped with the required NIN enrolment software and will be deployed alongside training and technical support to ensure effective usage. This, she said, will allow NIPOST to leverage its nationwide network of post offices and outreach centres to accelerate NIN registration, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
Nigeria’s digital ID drive has become a critical foundation for public service delivery, financial inclusion, telecommunications access, and social welfare programmes. However, gaps in enrolment coverage have persisted, driven by infrastructure constraints, logistical challenges, and uneven access to registration centres. The integration of mobile enrolment devices into NIPOST’s operations is expected to help bridge some of these gaps by decentralising the registration process.
KOICA’s Country Director, Mr. Eunsub Kim, said the donation forms part of the agency’s ongoing Digital Governance Project in Nigeria, which runs from 2022 to 2026. The project is focused on strengthening e-government systems, improving public sector efficiency, and supporting digital service delivery across key institutions.
According to Kim, supporting Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem is central to building more transparent, accessible, and citizen-centric government services. He emphasised that reliable digital identification plays a crucial role in enabling access to essential services, reducing exclusion, and supporting long-term socio-economic development.
The partnership also highlights NIPOST’s evolving role in Nigeria’s digital economy. Traditionally known for postal and logistics services, the agency has increasingly positioned itself as a platform for last-mile government services, leveraging its physical presence across all local government areas. By supporting NIN enrolment, NIPOST is reinforcing its relevance in a digital-first public sector environment.
Beyond identity registration, expanded NIN coverage is expected to unlock broader benefits across Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. Digital identity underpins fintech onboarding, SIM registration, e-government services, and digital commerce, making it a critical enabler for startups, financial institutions, and service providers operating in the country.
The donation also reflects growing international collaboration around digital public infrastructure in Africa. As countries across the continent prioritise digital identity, payments, and data systems, partnerships with development agencies like KOICA are increasingly shaping how these foundational systems are built and scaled.
With the new devices set to be deployed nationwide, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how quickly and effectively they translate into higher enrolment figures and improved access. If successfully implemented, the initiative could serve as a model for how existing national institutions can be repurposed to deliver inclusive digital services at scale.
As Nigeria continues to expand its digital identity framework, interventions like this underscore the importance of infrastructure, partnerships, and institutional capacity in turning policy ambitions into practical outcomes for citizens.
