Nigeria is set to decentralize its national identity registration process, moving enrollment centers directly into local communities and wards across the country. The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) announced that the grassroots initiative will begin on Monday, February 16, 2026. The move follows a directive from President Bola Tinubu aimed at ensuring every citizen and legal resident—including children—is captured in the National Identity Database.
Breaking down barriers
For many Nigerians in rural areas, securing a National Identification Number (NIN) has previously been hampered by travel costs and the distance to urban administrative centers. By shifting to the “ward level”—the smallest administrative division in Nigeria—the government hopes to:
Increase accessibility for elderly and vulnerable populations.
Reduce the travel burden on low-income families.
Streamline enrollment for school-aged children.” This is a strategic step toward deepening identity inclusion,” said Kayode Adegoke, NIMC’s head of corporate communications. He emphasized that the registration remains free of charge.
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