The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has successfully enrolled 59,786 inmates in correctional facilities across Nigeria, issuing each a National Identification Number (NIN), according to a statement released on Monday.
This achievement was made possible through collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), as part of a broader initiative to promote inclusivity and extend identity management services to all Nigerians — including those in custodial centers.
The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes comprehensive national enrolment for both citizens and legal residents.
NIMC Director-General and CEO, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, revealed that approximately 74% of the inmate population has now been registered and issued NINs. She noted that efforts are ongoing to complete enrolment for the remaining inmates.
“The commission remains committed to working with strategic partners to ensure that every Nigerian and legal resident is captured in the National Identity System, regardless of their circumstances,” Coker-Odusote stated.
Beyond correctional facilities, NIMC also announced plans to roll out ward-level enrolment nationwide — another key pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
This expansion aims to bring identity services closer to communities and strengthen the country’s central identity database.
NIMC expressed appreciation to the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Comptroller-General of the NCoS, Nwakuche Ndidi, and correctional service staff for their support in facilitating inmate registration.
As of May 2025, over 120 million Nigerians have been enrolled in the NIMC database. The commission is targeting 95% national coverage by the end of the year.
This accelerated progress is driven by enhanced infrastructure, including upgraded biometric systems and the deployment of over 1,000 registration devices across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
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Additionally, The National Identity Management Commission reported a 40% reduction in corruption within the enrolment process, credited in part to the involvement of private sector agents — known as Frontier Partners — who help extend services to remote and underserved areas.
