NATIONAL DIGITAL IDENTITY POLICY

A Policy establishes a framework for issuing a unique National Identification Number linked to biometrics for all citizens and residents. It targets government agencies and private organizations to verify identities in services like banking and telecoms. This ensures secure and efficient identity management across Nigeria.

What Is This Policy?

The National Digital Identity Policy establishes Nigeria's framework for issuing a unique, biometric-linked National Identification Number (NIN) to every citizen and legal resident. The NIMC manages the National Identity Database (NIDB) and the ecosystem of public and private partners who verify and authenticate identities across government services, banking, telecoms, and social protection.

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 biometric enrolment; mandatory for banking, SIM registration, passport issuance, travel, pensions, and tax General Multipurpose Card (GMPC): Chip-based national ID card issued to persons aged 16 and above; integrates NIN, MasterCard payment function, and biometric authentication Digital Identity Ecosystem: Network of NIMC, over 70 government MDA partners, and licensed private enrolment agents providing mass NIN registration across Nigeria and the diaspora Non-Documentary Enrolment: Persons without birth certificates or other identity documents can still obtain a NIN through community attestation and biometric proofing procedures NIN-SIM Mandate: All SIM cards must be linked to a valid NIN; unlinked SIMs were deactivated in multiple rounds of enforcement from 2020 to 2023 World Bank ID4D Support: A $433 million World Bank project (2020 to 2027) funds infrastructure, enrolment, legal reform, and inclusion initiatives

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active; approximately 104 million NINs issued as of 2024, covering about 48% of the population Implementing Body: National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), supervised by the Federal Ministry of Interior Coverage: Over 5,000 enrolment centres nationwide, plus online and mobile enrolment options; international enrolment at Nigerian Missions abroad Data Protection: Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 provides the legal framework for NIMC data management and user rights

How to Access

New Enrolment: Visit any NIMC enrolment centre with any available identity document or use the community attestation pathway; enrolment is free Online Self-Service: Manage NIN details and verify enrolment status at nimc.gov.ng or via the NIMC MobileID App Diaspora Nigerians: Enrol at designated NIMC centres in Nigerian Missions in select countries worldwide Contact: NIMC: nimc.gov.ng | [email protected] | 0800 2255 6462 (toll-free)

Official Resources

Website: nimc.gov.ng Contact: NIMC, Plot 963, Cadastral Zone A0, Off Constitution Avenue, Central Business District, Abuja | 0800 2255 6462 Policy Summary | Source: NIMC, World Bank ID4D Project, CIPESA Digital ID Review 2022, Cambridge Core Digital Policy, Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 | February 2026

Legal Framework

The National Digital Identity Policy operates under the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2007, the Data Protection Act 2023, and the Cybercrimes Act 2015. It aligns with the Mandatory NIN Use Regulations (2015 and 2017), the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, and the World Bank ID4D (Identification for Development) framework. International alignment includes the ISO/IEC 29115 Entity Authentication Assurance standard and the GSMA Mobile Identity guidelines.