NIMC refutes claims Nigeria lacks a robust National identity database

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has reacted to claims that Nigeria lacks a robust national identity database, making issues like National security an uphill task for security operatives.

The assertion was made by Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, who said on Saturday that the lack of data compounds the challenge for security operatives in combating security issues like kidnapping and terrorism.

In a statement signed by the Head of the Corporate Communications Unit, Kayode Adegoke, the NIMC stated that Nigeria has an active and efficient database of its citizens, with features such as identity verification, authentication, and service delivery active across the country.

The Commission said it has data on some 130 million Nigerians, each with a unique National Identity Number (NIN) as stipulated by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007. The new NIMC Act repealed the National Civil Registration Act and became fully operational in 2008.

NIMC updates Nigerians on key features and milestones

The nation’s apex identity management body seized the opportunity to update Nigerians on what it has been up to over the years and its key milestones so far. The commission confirmed that its storage capacity has been expanded from 100 million to 250 million records. This is to support stronger, more accurate national coverage, with room for additional data for future enrollments.

The commission, in its statement, reminded Nigerians that it is statutorily mandated to establish, own, operate, maintain, and manage the National Identity Database.

” This centralised, biometric-based database is fully functional, secure, and actively supporting identity verification, authentication, and service delivery across Nigeria,” the statement added.

NIMC also covers Government Institutions, financial service providers, and other partner organizations under its purview with its real-time Verification and Authentication Services. The commission also highlighted its NINAuth feature, designed to facilitate secure biometric and demographic verification against the central database.

The commission reiterated that its database is effectively used and utilised by security agencies, law enforcement bodies, and various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). According to them, key uses of their database by these entities include identity verification, background checks, and operational efficiency.

NIMC pledges continuous service to Nigerians

The National Identity Body pledged its continued commitment to data security, privacy protection, and ongoing upgrades to meet the nation’s current demands at all times.

The National Identification Number (NIN) issued by the NIMC and the Bank Verification Number (BVN) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS), have become the de facto means of identification for Nigerians.

Both identification means are usually used by banking institutions, Government bodies, and security agencies to identify citizens and access public data on them.

NIN was launched by the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration through the enactment of the NIMC Act in 2007, introducing Nigeria’s first major mass identity system. The BVN, on the other hand, was launched by the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014 as a check against financial crimes and blatant corruption.

Last updated: June 15, 2026