By Daniel Aondoaseer Zendesha 

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) says it has enrolled over 136 million Nigerians and legal residents into the National Identity Database (NIDB). The announcement coincided with the implementation of a new NIMC Act, which replaces the 2007 legislation and seeks to strengthen Nigeria's digital identity framework.

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced that more than 136 million Nigerians and legal residents have now been enrolled into the National Identity Database (NIDB).

According to a press release issued by the Commission, Director-General Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote disclosed the milestone during a courtesy visit to the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning as part of stakeholder engagements on implementing the new NIMC Act.

The Commission said the new legislation repeals the previous 2007 Act and introduces a modern legal framework for Nigeria's digital identity ecosystem.

Under the new law, the National Identification Number (NIN) becomes the country's foundational identity credential under the "One Person, One Identity" policy.

NIMC further stated that the Act designates the Commission as the root certificate authority for Nigeria's digital identity infrastructure while strengthening data protection, cybersecurity measures and the use of digital identity credentials.

Speaking during the visit, Engr. Coker-Odusote reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to ensuring that all Nigerians and legal residents are enrolled and issued National Identification Numbers within the shortest possible time.

She also expressed the Commission's willingness to collaborate with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in using the NIN to improve national planning, economic development and public service delivery.