REGISTRATION OF PERSONS AND CONTENTS OF THE NATIONAL IDENTITY DATABASE REGULATIONS, 2017

Regulations specify the categories of persons to register in the National Identity Database and the data collected. They target all Nigerian citizens and legal residents, along with government officials managing the database. This creates a secure and accurate national identity system.

What Is This Policy?

Regulations specifying the categories of persons who must be registered in the National Identity Database, the personal and biometric data collected during registration, and how the database is structured and maintained.

Who Does It Target?

All Nigerian citizens and legal residents NIMC registration officials Government agencies that supply or access identity data International organisations with Nigeria identity data partnerships

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Create a comprehensive, accurate, and secure national identity register for all Nigerians and legal residents, using the NIN as the unique identifier.

Key Features

Registration Mandate: Requires all Nigerians aged 16 and above and all legal residents to register and obtain a NIN. Data Categories: Specifies biographic data (name, date of birth, address) and biometric data (fingerprints, facial image, iris) to be collected. Database Structure: Defines how the National Identity Database is organised and what data fields are mandatory. Data Updates: Provides for updating of registered data where information changes.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Nationwide; all Nigerians and legal residents Beneficiaries: All Nigerians through a reliable national identity system Funding: Federal Government; World Bank

How to Access

Visit any NIMC enrolment centre with supporting documents (birth certificate, school certificate, or any government-issued document) Biometric capture is mandatory and conducted at the enrolment centre Children under 16 are registered through a birth registration linkage with NPCR Application method: Enrol at any NIMC centre or book appointment at https://www.nimc.gov.ng

Important Terms

Registration is mandatory for all Nigerians aged 16 and above Registered data is protected under Nigerian data protection law Deliberate registration of false identity information is a criminal offence

Official Resources

Website: https://www.nimc.gov.ng Contact: National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)

Legal Framework

Issued under the regulatory powers of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) pursuant to the National Identity Management Commission Act 2007 and the Registration of Persons (Amendment) Act. Aligns with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation 2019 (now superseded by the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023), Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution on privacy, and the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015. Consistent with ECOWAS biometric identification standards.