By Ebenezer Mabinuola
In a major step towards inclusive national development, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) of Nigeria, in partnership with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), began enrolling prison inmates into the National Identification Number (NIN) system in January 2025.
This initiative ensures that even incarcerated individuals are not left out of Nigeria’s digital identity program.
The NIN is a key part of Nigeria’s digital identity drive. Managed under the NIMC Act of 2007, it allows access to both government and private sector services. As of April 30, 2025, over 120 million Nigerians had been enrolled, with a target of registering 85% of the population – an additional 100 million people – by December 2025.
Including prisoners in this effort is a new and important development. As of early 2025, Nigeria’s 256 correctional centres held 80,879 inmates, 67% of whom were awaiting trial. Recognizing the need to include this often-overlooked group, NIMC granted NCoS a license on January 15, 2025, to register all 79,518 eligible inmates.
This move builds on NIMC’s existing collaborations with agencies like the Nigeria Immigration Service, banks, and the Central Bank of Nigeria. By enrolling inmates, the government aims to ensure access to services like the national census, social welfare, and education, and to prevent identity fraud in programs such as student loans.
NIMC Director General, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, stressed the importance of this inclusion, especially for inmates pursuing higher education. She noted that the NIN is vital for preventing identity duplication and ensuring transparency in national programs.
Acting Controller General of NCoS, Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, highlighted the importance of including inmates – especially those awaiting trial – in national planning and reintegration efforts.
NCoS reported that 59,786 inmates – about 74% of the total population – had been successfully enrolled. This progress reflects the effectiveness of the NIMC-NCoS partnership and the smooth rollout across all custodial centres.
The enrolment process is ongoing, with a goal of registering 100% of inmates as part of NIMC’s broader national target. The NIN enables inmates to access essential services, supports their reintegration into society after release, and aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader digital identity agenda.
While challenges such as logistics and data accuracy exist, both agencies report that the process is running smoothly. With systems in place to manage the remaining enrolments, the initiative is on track to meet its goals.
This program is not only a step forward for Nigeria’s development but also serves as a model for how digital identity systems can be inclusive. By bringing prisoners into the national identity framework, Nigeria is helping build a more equitable and connected society.
