126m Nigerians Enrolled In NIN As Database Capacity Expands To 250m
By TINA TOLUTOPE
THE Federal Government says over 126 million Nigerians have now secured their National Identification Number (NIN), with the national identity database expanded to accommodate 250 million records.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, announced this on Tuesday at the 2025 National Day of Identity Celebration in Abuja.
Tinubu described the NIN as a tool of empowerment and inclusion, enabling citizens to access pensions, loans, healthcare, and social support while strengthening governance and security.
He noted that the expansion now covers Nigerians in the diaspora, refugees, internally displaced persons, and persons with disabilities, with over 200 centres established abroad and 5,000 agents trained for inclusive enrolment.
The government has also linked NIN data with 125 agencies, including immigration, tax, and health institutions, while enforcing NIN-SIM linkage to curb fraud.
NIMC Director-General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, said the system has already facilitated over ₦86 billion in student loans, enabled targeted food distribution, and improved financial inclusion for vulnerable groups.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stressed the importance of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) in securing Nigeria’s digital economy, while President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making NIN central to the country’s digital transformation.
