The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced a significant milestone in its National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment drive. As of Friday, May 10, 2024, over 107 million Nigerians have been registered in the database. This represents a 3.2 million increase from the 104 million reported in December 2023.
This surge in enrolment suggests growing public awareness of the importance of the NIN program. The NIN serves as a central identification tool for citizens, facilitating access to various government services like social welfare programs and tax filing. It also plays a crucial role in combating identity theft and financial fraud.
The NIMC’s Director-General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote disclosed this in Abuja at a press briefing where she announced her achievements in the last one year in office. She attributed the enrolment increase to several factors. She highlighted efforts to increase enrolment centres and streamline the registration process. Additionally, the potential benefits of linking NIN to other essential documents, like SIM cards, might be driving increased participation.
However, challenges remain. The NIMC aims to reach a target of 200 million registered Nigerians within a short timeframe. Upgrading the commission’s systems and deploying more staff across the country will be crucial to achieving this ambitious goal.
Overall, the rise in NIN enrolment signifies progress towards a more robust national identification system in Nigeria. The NIMC’s continued efforts to simplify the registration process and raise public awareness will be key to achieving full nationwide coverage.
