The Federal Government has introduced an upgraded platform to make it easier for Nigerians living abroad to register for the National Identification Number (NIN).
No fewer than 122 million Nigerians have already been added to the NIN database, according to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). Lagos leads with 12.7 million, followed by Kano with 10.4 million, and Kaduna with 6.9 million.
Ogun recorded 4.9 million, Oyo 4.5 million, and Katsina 4 million. The Federal Capital Territory has 3.8 million, Rivers 3.5 million, Delta 3.2 million, and Jigawa 3.1 million.
At the lower end, Bayelsa registered just 767,620 people. Ebonyi followed with 999,991, and Ekiti with 1.1 million. Cross River (1.4 million), Taraba (1.7 million), and Yobe (1.8 million) also posted low enrolment.
Data shows a clear gender gap. “About 66.9 million males — 56.5% — have registered, compared to 51.5 million females or 43.5%,” NIMC revealed.
Nigeria is still behind schedule in the World Bank-backed Digital Identity for National Development (ID4D) project. The initial target was 148 million people by June 30, 2024. The deadline has now been extended to June 30, 2026.
NIMC Outlines Upgrade Benefits for Diaspora
NIMC said the improved system will deliver “a seamless, robust, more secure, efficient and effective service” for Nigerians abroad.
“Consequently, NIMC Diaspora Front-End Partners (FEPs) have been onboarded on the upgraded system with intensive training to equip the FEPs with the prerequisite knowledge on the application and effective management of the new system,” spokesman Kayode Adegoke stated.
All diaspora FEPs must activate their licences on the new platform within 48 hours. After that, applicants abroad can start accessing the services from approved centres.
NIMC apologised for the temporary inconvenience during the upgrade and said a dedicated service team will now handle diaspora enrolment issues.
It also encouraged NIN holders to download the NIMC NINAuth App on iOS or Google Play Store to instantly verify their NIN, control access to their personal data, and enjoy secure authentication services.
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