President Bola Tinubu has praised Nigeria’s National Identification Number (NIN)-SIM linkage policy for significantly reducing fraud and boosting national security.
Speaking at the 2025 National Day of Identity in Abuja through Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu credited the partnership between the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the achievement.
Digital Identity as a National Asset
Tinubu emphasized that identity is more than data collection — it is the foundation for citizenship, access to essential services, and protection of rights.
He highlighted the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) supporting the NIN system, calling it crucial for secure transactions and building public trust in government and private institutions.
How PKI Protects Citizens
According to Tinubu, PKI eliminates risks in digital transactions. It reassures citizens their data is safe, reduces fraud, simplifies service delivery, and enables secure engagement with institutions.
NIMC’s Progress Under New Leadership
The president applauded NIMC Director-General Abisoye Coker-Odusote for the commission’s milestones:
- 126 million Nigerians enrolled in the NIN system2.5 million backlog records cleared
- Deployment of 800+ mobile enrolment kits nationwide
- Partnerships with 125 agencies, including Immigration, FIRS, and NPC
- Improved staff welfare, salary reviews, and over 2,800 promotions
- Modernized customer care, new audiovisual studio, and upgraded enrolment centers
Fighting Fraud and Upholding Standards
NIMC has arrested more than 30 fraudsters, shut down illegal enrolment centers, and maintained ISO 27001:2022 certification for data security.
Its verification service now boasts 99.9% uptime, ensuring reliability for businesses and citizens.
NIN as the Key to Services
Tinubu described NIN as “the key that opens doors to growth, governance, and trust.” It is now essential for:
- Pension and tax processing
- Student loan access
- Business registration
- Healthcare services
- Voting and social programs
Push for Mandatory NIN Integration
Tinubu’s administration plans to enforce NIN usage across all sectors to strengthen security, drive economic growth, and expand digital inclusion nationwide.
Interior Ministry’s Roadmap
Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo stated that Nigeria is building a resilient identity ecosystem with PKI as its backbone.
He pledged to:
- Modernize public services
- Expand safe enrolment options
- Deliver identity-based solutions that respect citizens’ rights
He also announced the development of the Bola Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex, which will manage biometrics, borders, and passports.
NIMC DG on Impact and Inclusion
Coker-Odusote called NIN a transformative tool for national development, enabling inclusion across education, health, and justice systems.
Key achievements include:
- Over 123 million Nigerians registered50% reduction in enrolment waiting times
- Service expansion to prisoners, displaced persons, and diaspora communities
- 449,000 students receiving ₦86.35 billion in loans through NELFUND
- Improved farmer access to government aid
She noted that the secure database strengthens disaster response, economic planning, and crime prevention efforts, helping law enforcement track and combat security threats.
Robert Redford, Hollywood Icon and Sundance Founder, Dies at 89
