The Director General of the National Identity Management Commission, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, has announced that over 110 million Nigerians have received the National Identification Number.
This was disclosed by Coker-Odusote at the 6th National Identity Day themed, “Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) – Enabling Access to Services,” on Monday, according to Nairametrics.
By the end of 2023, NIMC data indicated that NIN enrolment had reached 104.16 million.
This year alone, over six million additional Nigerians have been enrolled. NIMC Director General Abisoye Coker-Odusote emphasized that Digital Public Infrastructure is crucial to Nigeria’s economic growth, offering a framework that links citizens to essential services such as social welfare, healthcare, education, and financial inclusion.
Highlighting NIMC’s role in leading the transformation, the Director General noted that the enrollment of over 110 million Nigerians for the National Identification Number reflects the commission’s success, coker said “This achievement presents a unique opportunity for integrating the remaining two pillars of DPI – data exchange and payment – with foundational identity, facilitating effective development and adoption.”
Meanwhile, President Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to developing a robust Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to ensure access to services for all Nigerians.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Federation, George Akume, at the National ID Day event, highlighted the significance of DPI in facilitating access to public and private services and driving economic development.
He stated that DPI is the backbone supporting access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and financial inclusion.
“In today’s digital age, the ability to prove one’s identity is not merely a matter of convenience; it is a fundamental cornerstone of our socioeconomic progress.
“Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is the backbone that enables access to essential services, including healthcare, education, financial inclusion, and social welfare.
“It is through robust DPI that we can ensure every Nigerian, regardless of their background or location has the opportunity to participate fully in our nation’s growth and development,” he said.
Tinubu emphasized that efficient digital identity systems are crucial for streamlining service delivery and ensuring government programs effectively reach those who need them most.
“Digital identity is a vital enabler of this vision, as it empowers individuals, facilitates economic transactions, and enhances transparency and accountability in governance. Harnessing a robust digital identity system, we can build a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria,” he said.
Nigeria through the World Bank’s Digital Identity for National Development (ID4D) project is currently striving to register all its citizens in the NIN database.
