The National Identity Management Commission announced that Nigerians residing abroad can now obtain their National Identification Number at accredited enrolment centres overseas, removing the need to return home for registration.
According to a statement on Tuesday, the overseas enrolment programme, launched in 2019, enables eligible applicants to complete biometric registration through a network of licensed partners across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.
Under this arrangement, NIMC authorises Nigerian companies to work with partner organisations in host countries to collect applicants’ fingerprints, facial images, and necessary documents on the commission’s behalf.
The Technical Adviser on Media and Communications to NIMC’s Director-General and CEO, Ayodele Babalola, stated that the initiative is becoming increasingly vital as the federal government continues to link the NIN to access public and financial services.
“The NIN is now required for a growing number of official transactions,” Babalola said.
Since March 2024, the Central Bank of Nigeria has required the NIN for all bank account transactions, while it continues to be mandatory for passport applications and renewals.
Additionally, the NIN is needed for SIM card registration under rules set by the Nigerian Communications Commission.
Nigeria’s diaspora is estimated at over 17 million people, according to the International Organization for Migration, making it one of the largest in Africa. The World Bank also ranks Nigeria among the top global recipients of diaspora remittances, with annual inflows exceeding $20 billion in recent years.
NIMC stated that Nigerians enrolled abroad can access their NIN via the NIMC Mobile Digital ID App, available on Android and iOS. The app provides a virtual ID card with a QR code and allows users to tokenise or mask their NIN when needed.
The commission also offers an online self-service portal, enabling registered users to update personal information—such as names, dates of birth, and phone numbers—remotely.
