NIMC fast-tracks identity harmonization to boost Nigeria’s digital economy

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has intensified efforts to harmonise identity services across government agencies as part of its drive to strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. Led by Director-General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the Commission is working with both public and private sector stakeholders to eliminate decades of data duplication and streamline identity verification through the National […]

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has intensified efforts to harmonise identity services across government agencies as part of its drive to strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

Led by Director-General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the Commission is working with both public and private sector stakeholders to eliminate decades of data duplication and streamline identity verification through the National Identification Number (NIN).

Since the rollout of the National Digital Identity Ecosystem Project, NIN has become a key requirement for accessing essential services such as SIM registration, banking, passports, and voter registration. This has led to a surge in nationwide enrolment.

To enable seamless identity verification, NIMC has signed agreements with several MDAs and institutions, while enhancing its API infrastructure to support real-time identity authentication. The initiative is supported by the World Bank’s Identification for Development (ID4D) programme.

Coker-Odusote has also championed stakeholder engagement and digital literacy campaigns in partnership with the National Orientation Agency, while advocating for updated legislation to safeguard data privacy and biometric use.

According to the NIMC boss, a harmonised identity system is vital for national security, planning, and building an inclusive digital economy.

Speaking at a recent stakeholder forum, she highlighted why integration matters.

“A single source of truth for identity is not only essential for security and planning, it is the foundation for a modern, inclusive digital economy,” she remarked.

The Commission is also extending its coverage to underserved areas through the NIN-Ward Enrolment exercise and exploring emerging technologies like blockchain and NIN Auth to further enhance service delivery.