Nigeria’s National Identification Number (NIN) database managed by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) expanded significantly in the first half of 2025, with seven million new enrollments recorded. This brings the total number of issued NINs to 121 million as of June 30, 2025.
The latest figures were shared through NIMC’s official enrollment dashboard, highlighting the country’s accelerated efforts to meet its ambitious goal of registering 95% of its population by the end of this year.
At the close of 2024, NIN registrations stood at 114 million, representing a 10 million increase from 104 million at the end of 2023. The additional seven million enrollments in just six months suggest that Nigeria is on track to surpass last year’s growth record and inch closer to its target.
According to NIMC data, Lagos State continues to maintain its lead with over 12.9 million enrolled residents — reflecting its status as Nigeria’s commercial and most populous hub. Kano State follows closely in second place with 11.07 million registered individuals.
Kaduna State has now overtaken Ogun State to become the third most enrolled state, boasting 7.1 million enrollments, while Ogun now ranks fourth with 5.06 million.
On the gender distribution front, the data reveals that males account for a larger share of registered Nigerians at 68.4 million (56.5%), while females represent 52.9 million (43.5%) of the total.
Boosting Enrollment Through Youth Corps Members
To fast-track progress toward its 95% coverage goal, NIMC has launched a Ward Enrollment initiative leveraging National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to reach remote and underserved communities.
In a recent statement, NIMC explained that selected Corps members are currently undergoing intensive training and will soon be deployed to various wards across the country.
“Consequently, Nigerians, most especially children below the age of 16 years, are by this initiative encouraged to enrol for the NIN in their respective wards. This initiative aims to take NIN enrolment closer to the people,” the Commission noted.
Speaking on the strategy, NIMC Director-General/CEO, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, emphasized that the ward-level exercise will improve data accuracy, helping the government better understand population dynamics and plan more effectively for social services and infrastructure.
Global Support and Project Restructuring
Nigeria’s mass enrolment drive is a critical component of the World Bank-backed Digital Identity for National Development (ID4D) project. The project aims to provide every Nigerian with a legal identity as a foundation for financial inclusion, social welfare access, and governance transparency.
While Nigeria missed the World Bank’s original June 2024 deadline to register at least 148 million citizens, the project has since been restructured and extended to June 30, 2026.
According to Nairametrics, the extension was necessary to enable full disbursement of the $430 million funding package co-financed by the World Bank, the French Development Agency (AFD), and the European Investment Bank (EIB).
Why It Matters
Beyond merely issuing ID numbers, the NIN is increasingly becoming central to accessing a wide range of services in Nigeria — from opening bank accounts and obtaining passports to voting and verifying SIM cards.
The push to register more Nigerians, especially children and those in rural communities, is expected to boost inclusion, strengthen national security, and support more precise policy planning.
As the Ward Enrollment initiative rolls out, observers will be watching closely to see whether NIMC can maintain its momentum and meet the ambitious coverage milestone by year-end — a feat that would mark a major step forward in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.
