The National Identity Management Commission has announced that the number of Nigerians with National Identification Numbers has reached 110 million. This figure reflects a 2.39 percent increase from the 107.34 million recorded at the end of May 2024.
According to The PUNCH, the NIMC’s Director General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, disclosed this milestone during an event to mark the sixth edition of the National Day of Identity, held in Abuja on Monday.
The event, themed “Digital Public Infrastructure: Enabling Access to Services,” highlighted the critical role of digital identity in Nigeria’s economic progress.
Coker-Odusote emphasized the importance of digital public infrastructure in driving economic development by providing access to essential services like healthcare, education, and financial inclusion.
“The role of DPI has become indispensable to Nigeria’s economic development. It creates a framework that connects citizens to vital services such as social welfare, healthcare, education, and financial inclusion,” she said.
“At the forefront of this transformation is NIMC, responsible for the National Identification Number, which has now enrolled over 110 million Nigerians.”
She also noted that this development is part of a strategic plan implemented by NIMC, which has resulted in significant progress.
“The enrollment of over 110 million Nigerians provides a unique opportunity for the other two pillars of DPI data exchange and payment to be layered on foundational identity for its effective development and adoption,” she added.
The NIMC DG further explained how digital infrastructure has supported the government and financial institutions in advancing digital payments and financial processes.
She referenced the success of the Student Loan Initiative, which has registered 332,715 students from 257 institutions, with payments already made to over 18,000 students.
“Through DPI, we’ve been able to eliminate financial barriers to education. By collaborating with institutions across the country, we’ve ensured students can access loans easily and benefit from this initiative,” Coker-Odusote said.
She concluded by highlighting the importance of collaboration between government agencies and private sector partners in driving these advancements, particularly through initiatives such as NIN-BVN harmonization and linking NINs to phone numbers.
