The National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, has enrolled and issued National Identification Numbers to 59,786 inmates in correctional centres across Nigeria.
This milestone, achieved in collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, underscores the federal government’s commitment to inclusive identity registration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to a press statement signed by NIMC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Kayode Adegoke, on Monday, June 9, 2025, the enrollment drive is aimed at ensuring that all Nigerians, regardless of status or location, are included in the national identity database.
“To date, 74% of inmates across correctional centres nationwide have been enrolled and issued NINs,” the statement noted. “The remaining inmates will be covered in the next phase of the ongoing enrollment effort.”
NIMC commended the unwavering support of key stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Mr. Nwakuche Ndidi, and the dedicated staff of NCoS.
Their collaboration has been crucial in reaching marginalized groups often excluded from national programs.
Beyond correctional facilities, NIMC is set to expand enrollment to every political ward across the country. The next phase of the national identity registration involves ward-level enrollment, a strategic move designed to bring identity services directly to grassroots communities.
“This ward enrollment initiative is a core component of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to deepen identity access,” said Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director-General and CEO of NIMC.
“Our goal is to ensure that all Nigerians and legal residents, regardless of social or economic status, are captured into the National Identity System. We will continue to work with strategic partners to make this vision a reality.”
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The push to expand national identity registration is not just a bureaucratic exercise—it plays a vital role in social inclusion, national security, planning, and access to government services.
With NINs increasingly linked to essential services like banking, education, and healthcare, the federal government aims to eliminate identity exclusion as a barrier to development.
NIMC’s ongoing reforms and aggressive outreach are in line with global best practices, where inclusive identity systems are regarded as tools for development and governance.
With the successful inmate enrollment and upcoming ward coverage, the Commission is on course to achieve nationwide NIN coverage, fulfilling a critical component of the administration’s digital transformation and inclusion agenda.
As NIMC deepens its efforts, it continues to urge Nigerians who have not yet enrolled to take advantage of this nationwide initiative, assuring the public of ease, accessibility, and data protection across all registration channels.
Crediblenewsng.com
