The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has upgraded its diaspora National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment platform, introducing enhanced security and efficiency measures for Nigerians living abroad.
The commission announced the development in a statement posted on its official X handle, directing all Diaspora Front-End Partners (FEPs) to activate their licences within 48 hours in order to continue providing enrolment services. For technical or operational assistance, the commission urged partners to contact [[email protected]] The upgrade is designed to strengthen data protection, prevent fraud, and reduce technical disruptions that have in the past hindered smooth operations. The improved platform is expected to offer a faster and more reliable experience for Nigerians abroad who need to obtain or update their NIN records.
The Diaspora NIN Enrolment Platform was developed to ensure that Nigerians outside the country can securely submit their biometric and personal data without needing to travel back home. Accredited Diaspora Front-End Partners serve as intermediaries, helping applicants complete the process and transmit data to NIMC for verification and approval.
While the upgrade primarily targets the diaspora service, NIMC reassured citizens that NIN enrolment continues uninterrupted across Nigeria. The public can locate their nearest registration centre via the NIMC website or update their records online through the self-service portal. For easier access and verification, the commission also recommended downloading the NINAuth app, available on both iOS and Google Play.
The announcement comes as Nigeria records significant growth in its NIN database. Between January and June 2025, seven million new enrollees were added, bringing the total to 121 million. This growth follows the 10 million registrations recorded in 2024 and keeps the country on track to meet its target of registering 95 percent of the population by year-end.
Lagos State leads in total registrations with over 12.9 million enrollees, followed by Kano with 11.07 million, Kaduna with 7.1 million, and Ogun with 5.06 million. Gender distribution data shows men account for 56.5 percent of registered Nigerians, while women represent 43.5 percent.
To reach remote and underserved areas, NIMC recently launched a Ward Enrolment initiative, deploying National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to local wards. The programme prioritises children under 16, helping them obtain NINs early and providing the government with more accurate demographic data for development planning and service delivery.
The commission says these efforts, both at home and abroad, are central to its vision of building a comprehensive and secure national identity database that will support economic growth, improve governance, and enhance access to essential services.