…as commission pushes for full inclusivity under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
In a major milestone towards national inclusivity, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced the successful enrollment and issuance of National Identification Numbers (NINs) to 59,786 inmates across correctional centres in Nigeria. This initiative, carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to ensure that every Nigerian, including those in custodial centres, is accounted for in the national identity database.
The Head of the Corporate Communications Unit of NIMC, Kayode Adegoke, disclosed this during a media briefing in Abuja. He noted that the achievement underscores the Commission’s commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes inclusive governance, social justice, and nationwide data integrity through a robust identity management system.
According to Adegoke, the NIN enrollment exercise across correctional facilities has so far captured 74% of the inmate population, with a clear target to achieve full coverage through the ongoing enrolment drive. The initiative, he explained, is a strategic effort to extend digital identity to all segments of society, including the underserved and vulnerable populations.
“This landmark achievement was made possible through the strong partnership between NIMC and the Nigerian Correctional Service. We extend our appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Mr. Nwakuche Ndidi, and the entire NCoS management and staff for their unwavering support in ensuring the success of this crucial initiative,” Adegoke stated.
The enrollment of inmates into the NIMC database is expected to enhance the delivery of justice, improve inmate profiling, support national security, and aid in effective post-incarceration reintegration and rehabilitation programmes.
In a further commitment to broadening national identity coverage, NIMC is also set to commence ward-level enrollment across the country. This rollout marks another key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to make NIN enrollment accessible at the grassroots level, thus bridging the identity gap across Nigeria.
Speaking on the broader objectives, NIMC Director General/CEO, Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, stressed that the Commission is poised to work with strategic partners to ensure that all Nigerians and legal residents in every ward across the country are enrolled and issued their NINs.
“Our goal is simple but ambitious to ensure no Nigerian is left behind in the identity management process. The Commission is taking proactive steps to deploy resources and technology to reach every ward, every community, and every individual,” Dr. Coker-Odusote stated.
The National Identification Number (NIN) is a unique digital identity tied to an individual’s biometric and demographic data. It is essential for accessing a range of government services, including banking, education, social welfare, and security programmes.
With the success recorded in correctional centres and the anticipated launch of ward-level enrollments, NIMC’s vision of a comprehensive and inclusive national identity system is gaining significant momentum under the current administration.
