President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has explained why his government is making the use of the National Identification Number (NIN) mandatory across Nigeria.
According to him, the NIN must be the main key that gives Nigerians access to services, opportunities, and platforms in both government and private organisations. Tinubu was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, during this year’s National Identity Day event organised by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in Abuja on Tuesday.
Speaking on the theme, “Public Key Infrastructure: Backbone To Digital Infrastructure,” the president said his administration will make sure that all institutions in Nigeria are connected to the National Identity Database. He revealed that over 126 million Nigerians and residents have already registered for NIN.
Tinubu noted that the NIN is important for national security and also for building a stronger economy.
He explained: “The NIN must be the key that opens every service, every opportunity, and every platform, both in public and private sectors. That’s why my government is fully committed to making its use compulsory. This is not just about rules, it is about protecting our nation, boosting our economy, and making sure every Nigerian can benefit from the digital age.”
He further added that NIMC has partnered with 125 agencies to create a unified system that reduces waste, saves money, and improves services. He also said that NIMC, working with the police and other security agencies, has arrested more than 30 fraudsters, closed down illegal centres, and maintained ISO 27001:2022 certification — a global standard for data security.
The Minister of Interior also said Nigeria is making real progress in building a strong national identity system. He mentioned that the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and NIMC are already working together to add public key infrastructure (PKI) into Nigeria’s national identity and service system.
According to him, this step is very important for secure e-government, trusted digital signatures, and strong security across border control, revenue, and regulatory systems. He promised that his ministry will continue to modernise services, improve secure enrolment and verification, and make sure Nigerians get identity-based services with respect and protection. He stressed that the investments in PKI, data centres, and secure enrolment will support Nigeria’s future digital economy, cross-border trade, and global trust in Nigerian credentials.
The Director-General of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, also stressed that NIN is more than just a number. She said it is a “gateway to opportunity, protection, and dignity” for all Nigerians. She pointed out that NIMC has registered over 123 million Nigerians and residents, protected identities from fraud, and supported economic empowerment for students, women, and households.
At the event, Senate President Godswill Akpabio (represented by Victor Umeh), Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abass (represented by Okunjimi Odimayo), Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service Zacch Adedeji, and others, all spoke about how central the NIN is to Nigeria’s development.
