Nigeria’s local identity drive gains momentum as thousands head to ward centres

Nigeria’s identity management agency has ramped up efforts to register millions of citizens by taking its enrolment process to the smallest administrative units in the country. The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) confirmed on Wednesday that its “Ward Level Enrolment Drive,” which began on 16 February, is now fully operational across the federation. The move marks a significant shift in strategy, moving registration points away from congested urban centers and directly into local communities.

Foundational requirement

The National Identification Number (NIN) has become central to daily life in Africa’s most populous mission. It is currently mandatory for obtaining travel documents, opening bank accounts, and registering SIM cards.”The NIN remains a foundational requirement for accessing critical government services,” the commission said in a statement. Officials are urging those yet to register to take advantage of the “decentralised exercise” to ensure they are not cut off from essential services. To streamline the process, the NIMC has advised the public to:Verify the nearest enrolment point via the official NIMC website, ensure all personal data provided is accurate to avoid future legal complications and liaise closely with designated officials at the ward level.

Digital integration

In recent years, Nigeria has pushed for a robust digital identity database to improve security and financial inclusion. As part of this push, the NIMC has launched several digital tools to reduce physical queues:

Pre-enrolment: Citizens can start the process online via the portal.

Data Modification: A self-service portal allows for updates to existing records.

Mobile App: The NINAUTH app is available on both iOS and Android for digital identity verification.

The commission in a statement by its head of communications Kayode Adegoke, reiterated its commitment to “inclusive identity coverage,” promising that no resident would be left behind in the exercise.

How to stay informed

For verified updates and support, the commission maintains several official channels:

Web: www.nimc.gov.ngHelpline: 0800-061-6462Social Media: Follow @nimc_ng on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram.