President Bola Tinubu highlighted the success of linking National Identification Numbers (NIN) to SIM cards on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. This policy has sharply lowered fraud rates and strengthened national security in Nigeria.
Speaking through Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the 2025 National Day of Identity in Abuja, Tinubu noted the collaboration between the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Identity as a Key to Opportunities
Tinubu described identity as more than just a record. It serves as the base for citizenship, access to services, and protection.
The NIN, backed by Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), plays a vital role in Nigeria’s digital shift. It secures transactions and fosters trust in government and private sectors.
Benefits of Public Key Infrastructure
Without PKI, digital dealings stay risky, Tinubu explained. Citizens might doubt data safety. But with PKI, Nigeria creates a reliable system. It cuts fraud, simplifies services, and lets people interact confidently with institutions.
NIMC’s Achievements Under Leadership
Tinubu praised NIMC Director-General Abisoye Coker-Odusote for key progress. The commission has registered over 126 million Nigerians. It cleared 2.5 million backlog records, rolled out more than 800 mobile enrolment tools, and linked with 125 agencies like Immigration, FIRS, and NPC.
Staff training, modern equipment, a top customer care center, and an audiovisual studio have improved operations. Welfare enhancements include salary hikes, promotions for over 2,800 staff, and upgrades to enrolment sites.
Fighting Fraud and Ensuring Standards
NIMC has arrested over 30 fraudsters and shut illegal centers. It holds ISO 27001:2022 certification and runs a verification service with 99.9% uptime. These steps safeguard the system.
NIN’s Role in Daily Services
NIN is essential for pensions, student loans, business setup, healthcare, taxes, voting, and social programs. Tinubu called it the “key that opens doors to growth, better governance, and trust.”
Push for Mandatory NIN Use
Tinubu’s government plans to enforce NIN use across all sectors. This regulation supports security, economic growth, and digital access for everyone.
Minister’s Vision for Secure Identity
Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said Nigeria is building a strong identity system. Digital ID is crucial for security and economic independence. Agencies are adding PKI to the ecosystem.
The ministry will modernize services, expand safe enrolment, and deliver identity-based help with respect and reliability. Investments in PKI and data centers aid global trade and diaspora ties.
Tunji-Ojo stressed treating identity as key infrastructure. The new Bola Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex will handle biometrics, borders, and passports.
NIMC DG on Transformative Impact
NIMC Director-General Abisoye Coker-Odusote called NIN a game-changer for inclusion and development. Over 123 million people are enrolled, with partnerships in education, health, prisons, and abroad.
PKI boosts data privacy and ease of use. Waiting times for enrolment have dropped by nearly 50%. Services now reach prisoners, displaced persons, and overseas Nigerians.
Digital ID changes lives, like 449,000 students getting N86.35 billion in loans via NELFUND and farmers accessing aid. Despite threats, the database stays secure.
Coker-Odusote added that recording identities helps verify people accurately. It aids planning for security, disasters, and economy. Crime tracking improves, aiding law enforcement against threats.
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