Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Digital Identity Push as NIN Enrolment Hits 110 Million

President Bola Tinubu has pledged unwavering support for the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in its efforts to build an efficient digital identity system, as the number of Nigerians with National Identification Numbers (NIN) reaches 110 million. This marks a 2.39% increase from the 107.34 million recorded in May 2024.

Addressing the sixth edition of the National Day of Identity in Abuja on Monday, Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, underscored the importance of digital identity as a cornerstone for inclusive growth and governance. He affirmed that every Nigerian deserves a verifiable proof of identity, which forms the basis for protection, sustenance, and social support.

“In today’s digital age, the ability to prove one’s identity is not just a matter of convenience; it is a cornerstone of our socioeconomic progress,” Tinubu said. He added that the government’s Renewed Hope agenda aims to foster sustainable development and raise living standards across the country through robust digital public infrastructure (DPI).

“Digital public infrastructure is the backbone that enables access to essential services, from healthcare and education to financial inclusion and social welfare. It ensures every Nigerian, regardless of their background or location, has the opportunity to participate fully in our nation’s growth,” Tinubu remarked.

The President also highlighted how the government’s eight-point agenda, which includes food security, poverty eradication, job creation, and improved security, is intrinsically tied to the success of the country’s digital identity initiatives. He explained that a reliable digital identity system enables the delivery of government programmes such as the student loan scheme, the National Youth Talent Export Programme, and the Renewed Hope City and Estate Housing initiative.

Director-General of NIMC, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, echoed Tinubu’s sentiment, noting that Nigeria is on the right path to harmonising its digital identity systems. She credited this progress to the NIMC’s strategic approach, adding that digital public infrastructure plays a crucial role in linking citizens to essential services like healthcare, education, and financial inclusion.

“The role of DPI has become indispensable to Nigeria’s economic development,” Coker-Odusote said, “providing a framework that connects over 110 million enrolled Nigerians to key services, while also facilitating digital payments and processes across sectors.”

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, lauded the advancements in Nigeria’s digital identity systems, stating that they would open new opportunities for citizens to benefit from government programmes and foster national development. He emphasised that digital identity remains critical to the country’s social and financial progress, enabling effective planning for socio-economic programmes and addressing challenges.

With the government’s renewed focus on digital infrastructure, the event marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s journey toward a more inclusive and digitally integrated future.