A STRATEGIC ROADMAP FOR DEVELOPING DIGITAL IDENTIFICATION IN NIGERIA

A Strategy offers a phased roadmap for building a digital identification system in Nigeria using the National Identification Number. It targets government agencies, financial institutions, and development partners. This seeks to achieve universal digital identity coverage and enhance service delivery.

What Is This Policy?

A strategic framework providing a phased roadmap for developing a robust, inclusive, and interoperable digital identity system in Nigeria, anchored on the National Identification Number (NIN) and NIMC infrastructure.

Who Does It Target?

NIMC and allied identity agencies Federal and state government service delivery agencies Financial institutions requiring digital KYC Development partners supporting Nigeria's digital ID system

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Achieve universal digital identity coverage for all Nigerians, enable seamless digital identity verification across sectors, support financial inclusion, and improve government service delivery.

Key Features

Universal Enrolment: Plans for universal NIN enrolment through expanded enrolment centres, mobile enrolment, and digital self-registration. ID Ecosystem Integration: Integrates NIN with e-Government services, financial sector KYC, telecoms, and healthcare. Privacy and Security: Embeds data protection and cybersecurity standards into the digital identity infrastructure. Interoperability: Designs the system for interoperability with ECOWAS and African Union digital identity frameworks.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active - phased implementation ongoing Coverage: Nationwide Beneficiaries: All Nigerians; government service delivery; financial inclusion Funding: Federal Government; World Bank; donors

How to Access

All Nigerians must enrol for a NIN to participate in the digital identity system Identity service providers must integrate with NIMC for NIN verification Access digital services linked to NIN through the NIMC verification API Application method: Enrol at any NIMC centre or use the NIMC mobile app.

Impact & Metrics

Over 100 million NIN enrolments achieved; digital identity enabling financial inclusion for millions of previously unbanked Nigerians.

Official Resources

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

Legal Framework

Developed under the authority of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) pursuant to the National Identity Management Commission Act 2007. Operates alongside the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 (formerly the NDPR 2019), the Registration of Persons Act, the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, and the e-Government Policy. Aligns with the World Bank ID4D (Identification for Development) principles and ECOWAS biometric identification standards.