Audio By Carbonatix
Nigeria wants to issue identity numbers for as many as 50 million citizens per year in a bid to create a harmonized database of its population, the largest in Africa.
The West African nation with a population of roughly 200 million has a fragmented identity system, with at least 13 federal agencies and three state agencies offering ID services. Even then, only about 38% of Nigerians have any form of identity document.
That’s where the National Identity Management Commission comes in, which has secured $433 million from foreign donors including the World Bank and European Union to collect data nationwide and issue identity numbers.
It’s aiming to launch a new digital system by the end of the month in collaboration with other government agencies and the private sector, Aliyu Aziz, the agency’s director general, said in an interview in Abuja, the capital.
“We have a thousand data centres across Nigeria, it’s not enough capacity to capture and provide identification for about 200 million Nigerians and non-Nigerians,” Aziz said. “This is why we are partnering with the private sector and government agencies.”
While the number of Nigerians on the national database has risen to 37 million from 7 million in 2015, enrollment needs to accelerate because the government this year said it’s planning to enforce a requirement that citizens have an identification number before they can be issued a passport, register as a voter, open a bank account or receive a pension.
If all goes as planned, the program should be completed within five years, Aziz said.
Nigerians living in the U.S, India, Austria and Germany and other countries will be registered as well.
Latest Stories
-
West Mamprusi launches community-led WASH and livelihoods project across 100 communities
49 seconds -
Iran says it will wait for official US response after Trump rejects Strait of Hormuz proposal
16 minutes -
90 Oti communities to benefit from government electrification project
17 minutes -
Floods leave 246 without shelter as 93 houses collapse in North East Gonja
30 minutes -
Labour Minister wants SOEs to help shape new public pay system
5 hours -
IPEC will ensure Equity and Sustainability in SOEs Compensation
6 hours -
White House bars CNN from travelling with Trump on Air Force One
6 hours -
Fennis wins second consecutive ITF J60 title in Accra
6 hours -
Spain beat England in thriller after Kane penalty miss
7 hours -
GPL 2026/27: Zaidan’s late goal ends Hearts of Oak unbeaten start
7 hours -
CEOs demand clarity on pay harmonisation, board autonomy as FWSC engages SOEs bosses over IPEC transition
7 hours -
2026 Women’s Super Cup: FC Savannah, Epiphany Warriors maintain top spots ahead of final group games
7 hours -
‘Is EOCO responsible for determining lawyers’ fees?’ – Baffour Awuah
7 hours -
David Beckles claims second J60 Accra title
7 hours -
No France cocaine suspect linked to Mahama, Vice President’s security details – NACOC
7 hours