Over 59,000 Inmates Get NIN as NIMC, NCoS Intensify Nationwide Identity Drive

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) have jointly enrolled 59,786 inmates with National Identification Numbers (NINs).

This marks a significant milestone in the federal government’s effort to ensure digital inclusion for all Nigerians, including those in custodial facilities.

The enrolment figure, which represents 74% of the total inmate population of 80,879 across Nigeria’s correctional centres, was confirmed in separate statements issued by NIMC and the NCoS.

Both agencies emphasised that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises nationwide digital identity coverage.

Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director-General and CEO of NIMC

, said the remaining inmate registrations are ongoing, with mechanisms in place to ensure completion.

“The Commission remains committed to collaborating with strategic partners to ensure that every Nigerian and legal resident is captured in the National Identity System, regardless of their circumstances,” she said.

In response to recent reports suggesting that NIN registration had not begun in some custodial centres, NCoS spokesperson Umar Abubakar refuted the claims, describing them as misleading.

“The report does not reflect the current state of affairs. A majority of inmates have already been successfully enrolled through our partnership with NIMC,” he stated.

Comptroller-General of NCoS, Nwakuche Ndidi

The agencies also highlighted the broader significance of the project as not only for identification but also for promoting the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates through digital inclusion. The NIN is expected to facilitate access to essential services and strengthen national security frameworks.

Beyond correctional centres, NIMC has announced plans to roll out ward-level enrolment nationwide, aimed at reaching underserved communities. As of May 2025, over 120 million Nigerians have been enrolled in the NIN database, with an ambitious target of covering 95% of the population by year-end.

The Commission attributed its rapid progress to upgraded biometric infrastructure, deployment of over 1,000 registration devices across all 774 local government areas, and reforms, including private sector involvement, that have helped reduce corruption in the enrolment process by about 40%.

Both NIMC and NCoS expressed appreciation to the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Comptroller-General of NCoS, Nwakuche Ndidi, for their support in driving the initiative forward.