National Digital Identity Policy (NIMC Act 2007 and Digital Identity Ecosystem Strategic Roadmap 2018)

What Is This Policy?

The National Digital Identity Policy establishes Nigeria's framework for issuing a unique, bio

Who Does It Target?

All Nigerian citizens and legal residents of all ages, including Nigerians in the diaspora Government agencies and private sector organisations required to verify identities before delivering services Financial institutions, mobile network operators, insurers, and pensions administrators required to link customer records to the NIN Persons without prior identity documents (particularly rural and underserved populations) who are eligible for documentary-free NIN enrolment

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Issue a free, unique NIN to 85% of the population and 97.5% of adults by the end of 2027, supported by the World Bank ID4D Project Harmonise over 13 existing government ID systems (BVN, driver's licence, voter card, passport) into a single interoperable identity ecosystem Enable access to government services, financial inclusion, social safety nets, and healthcare through a single, verifiable digital identity Protect identity data through a robust legal and regulatory framework, anchored by the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023

Key Features

National Identification Number (NIN): An 11-digit unique identifier assigned after bio

Current Status

The National Digital Identity Policy is in force, supported by the NIMC Act 2007 and the 2018 roadmap, with ongoing efforts to issue NINs and harmonize identity systems.

Legal Framework

National Identity Management Commission Act 2007; Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015; Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023; SIM Card Registration Regulations; Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999