The World Bank has provided $45.5 million to Nigeria’s National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) as part of the Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) project. The funds, disbursed between December 2021 and April 2024, are part of a $430 million project approved in February 2020. This project is co-financed by the World Bank’s International Development Association, the French Agency for Development, and the European Investment Bank.
The ID4D project aims to increase the number of Nigerians enrolled in the National Identification Number (NIN) system, with a focus on marginalized groups. As of May, the number of NINs issued rose to 107.34 million from 104 million in December 2023. The NIMC, led by Director General Abisoye Coker-Odusote, has a goal to enroll 200 million Nigerians in the NIN system by 2025. The World Bank has rated the project’s progress as ‘moderately satisfactory.’
NIMC has re-engaged with Idemia to upgrade its biometric systems as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the digital identity infrastructure. Recently, the commission inaugurated a Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Project Ecosystem Steering Committee to further push for NIN-linked digital IDs.
However, challenges persist, such as efficiently managing data and ensuring the integrity of the digital identity system to prevent fraud and underage registrations. In 2022, national ID databases in Africa experienced significant downtime, underscoring the need for robust data management systems. Additionally, fraudulent websites have exploited the identification database, prompting the Nigeria Data Protection Commission to intensify scrutiny of NIMC licensees and enforce cybersecurity measures compliant with ISO 27001:2013 standards and Nigerian Data Protection Law.
NIMC has reassured the public of its commitment to safeguarding the national database against cyber threats and fraudulent activities, maintaining rigorous security protocols.
