…says NIN-SIM integration cuts fraud, enhances national security
President Bola Tinubu has commended the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for clearing a backlog of 2.5 million records and enrolling over 126 million Nigerians into the national identity database.
Tinubu stated this at the 2025 National Identity Day in Abuja on Tuesday, organised by NIMC.
The president, who was represented by George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said the enforcement of the National Identification Number (NIN) and SIM card linkage has significantly reduced fraud and improved national security.
According to him, “Working with the NCC, NIMC has enforced the NIN-SIM linkage, which has significantly reduced fraud and enhanced national security”.
He described identity as the foundation of citizenship, a gateway to opportunity, and a pillar of national security.
According to him, the NIN supported by Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)has become central to Nigeria’s digital transformation, helping to secure transactions and build trust in public and private institutions.
“Without PKI, digital interactions remain vulnerable. But with it, Nigeria can create an ecosystem where trust is assured, fraud is reduced, and citizens can engage with institutions confidently,” he said.
Tinubu praised NIMC’s leadership under Director-General Abisoye Coker-Odusote for implementing reforms that have improved operations. These include the deployment of over 800 mobile enrolment devices, integration with 125 agencies, including the Immigration Service and FIRS and the establishment of a customer care centre.
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He also noted efforts to improve staff performance and working conditions through training, modern tools, salary adjustments, promotions for over 2,800 staff, and the rehabilitation of enrolment centres nationwide.
On security, Tinubu said NIMC has arrested over 30 operators involved in fraud, shut down illegal centres, maintained ISO 27001:2022 certification, and launched a verification service with 99.9% uptime.
The President emphasised that NIN is now essential for services such as pension verification, educational loans, business registration, healthcare, taxation, elections, and social programmes.
“It is not just an administrative tool,” he said, “but the common key that unlocks opportunity, supports governance, and builds trust.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enforcing the Mandatory Use of NIN across all sectors to improve digital inclusion and economic growth.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, said digital identity is critical to national security and economic sovereignty.
Tunji-Ojo noted that efforts are ongoing to integrate PKI into the identity system and that investments in PKI and data centres will enable secure participation in global digital commerce.
He added that the newly established Bola Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex will support biometric production and border and passport systems.
In her remarks, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, NIMC Director-General, said that digital identity is a tool for inclusion and development.
Coker-Odusote noted that NIMC is partnering with over 50 organisations in sectors such as education, healthcare, correctional services, and diaspora engagement to expand access.
She cited the example of over 449,000 students who accessed loans worth N86.35 billion through NELFUND, and verified farmers receiving subsidised support.
Coker-Odusote assured Nigerians that NIMC’s database remains secure despite attempted breaches.
“By documenting citizens and residents, we are enabling accurate identity verification and better planning for security, disaster response, and economic development,” she said.
