NATIONAL IDENTITY MANAGEMENT COMMISSION ACT, 2007

An Act establishes the National Identity Management Commission to manage Nigeria's national identity system and database. It targets all citizens and residents for registration, along with government and private institutions using identity data. This provides a legal basis for mandatory national identity registration.

What Is This Policy?

The principal legislation establishing the National Identity Management Commission as the central body for developing and managing Nigeria's national identity management system and the National Identity Database.

Who Does It Target?

All Nigerian citizens and legal residents as registration subjects Government agencies with identity management responsibilities Private sector institutions relying on national identity data NIMC management, staff, and board

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Establish a single, authoritative national identity management institution, create the National Identity Database, and provide a legal basis for mandatory NIN registration for all Nigerians.

Key Features

NIMC Establishment: Creates NIMC as the statutory body responsible for all national identity management activities in Nigeria. National Identity Database: Mandates creation and maintenance of a comprehensive National Identity Database for all Nigerians. NIN: Establishes the National Identification Number as the unique identifier for every registered person. Harmonisation Mandate: Requires NIMC to harmonise existing government identity databases into the National Identity Database.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active - NIMC fully operational Coverage: Nationwide Beneficiaries: All Nigerians through a reliable, unified national identity system Funding: Federal Government appropriations; World Bank and donor support

How to Access

All Nigerians aged 16 and above must register with NIMC and obtain a NIN Enrolment centres operate nationwide No fees are charged for initial NIN enrolment Application method: Register at any NIMC enrolment centre or https://www.nimc.gov.ng

Important Terms

Registration is compulsory under the NIMC Act False registration constitutes fraud and attracts criminal penalties NIMC is the sole authority for issuing National Identity Cards and NINs

Impact & Metrics

Over 100 million Nigerians enrolled in the National Identity Database; NIN linked to banking, telecoms, and tax systems.

Official Resources

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

Legal Framework

The National Identity Management Commission Act 2007 establishes NIMC as the federal body for identity management. It operates under the 1999 Constitution, the Data Protection Act 2023, the Cybercrimes Act 2015, and the Mandatory NIN Use Regulations. International alignment is with the World Bank ID4D (Identification for Development) framework, ISO/IEC 29115 Entity Authentication Assurance standards, and the ECOWAS Biometric Identity Card standards.