In a determined move to accelerate digital identity coverage across Nigeria, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has unveiled a new enrollment initiative that strategically deploys National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to local wards throughout the country. This collaborative effort, developed alongside the Ministry of Youth Development and the NYSC, marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s pursuit of universal National Identification Number (NIN) coverage.

To ensure the initiative succeeds, NIMC has already commenced intensive training for selected Corps members. After completing their training, these participants will lead grassroots NIN registration activities in underserved communities. By taking enrollment directly to the people, the Commission seeks to eliminate access barriers that have slowed progress in recent years.

Driving the Renewed Hope Agenda

This project directly aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. It supports the administration’s promise to expand digital infrastructure, strengthen governance, and build inclusive systems that benefit all Nigerians. Through this partnership, the Federal Government aims to ensure every citizen and legal resident receives a unique identity number for easier access to government services, improved planning, and enhanced national security.

According to NIMC, the enrollment exercise represents a concrete step toward achieving nationwide identity coverage within the shortest time possible. By embedding trained Corps members at the ward level, the Commission intends to register millions of previously unreached individuals—especially children under 16 and residents in rural areas.

Building on 120 Million Enrollments

Although NIMC has successfully registered over 120 million Nigerians and legal residents, a significant portion of the population remains unregistered. Many of these individuals live in remote areas where access to enrollment centers is limited or nonexistent. Recognizing this challenge, the Commission has launched the ward-level approach to bridge the gap.

To make this happen, Corps members will work in partnership with community leaders, schools, healthcare centers, and local governments to coordinate mobile registration units. These efforts will take NIN services directly to where people live and work, thereby making the registration process more accessible, inclusive, and efficient.

Moreover, the Commission has emphasized that children below 16 years of age will receive special attention during this phase. Since many of them remain undocumented, the program will prioritize early registration to ensure they can access social services, education, and health programs in the future.

Targeting 95% Coverage by December 2025

Looking ahead, NIMC has set an ambitious goal: to register at least 95% of Nigeria’s population into the NIN database by December 2025. To accomplish this, the Commission has implemented a multi-pronged strategy, which includes:

• Expanding registration infrastructure across the six geopolitical zones

• Establishing more permanent and mobile registration centers

• Conducting grassroots awareness and sensitization campaigns

• Deploying digital tools to streamline registration and data processing

Speaking on the matter, NIMC’s Director-General, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, explained that the Ward Enrolment Exercise would serve as a cornerstone of the mass registration drive.

“We are bringing enrollment directly to the people because it is the most effective way to achieve comprehensive national coverage,” she stated. “When we succeed, we will have the most accurate data for planning, service delivery, and social protection.”

Unlocking Benefits Through Digital Identity

Indeed, establishing a universal digital identity system remains one of the most important development goals of the federal government. With a verified NIN, citizens can access numerous services, including:

• Healthcare and health insurance programs

• Educational support and enrollment verification

• Pension and social security benefits

• Bank accounts and financial inclusion tools

• Voter registration and national security verification

Additionally, governments at all levels will benefit from accurate population data to design effective policies, reduce fraud, and allocate resources equitably. As a result, this enrollment campaign is not merely administrative—it is developmental.

Strengthening the NYSC-NIMC Partnership

This recent deployment of Corps members builds on a growing collaboration between NIMC and the NYSC. Since 2024, the NIN has become mandatory for all Corps members, ensuring full digital identity coverage among graduates entering national service. This existing requirement laid the groundwork for the current project.

Because Corps members are already embedded in communities nationwide, NIMC sees them as ideal agents for delivering enrollment services to the grassroots. Their familiarity with local terrain, language, and customs gives them a unique advantage in building trust and increasing public participation.

As part of their assignment, Corps members will undergo hands-on training in data collection, biometric scanning, customer service, and secure data transmission. Each ward-level team will receive portable biometric kits, solar power support where needed, and real-time technical assistance from NIMC’s IT staff.

Leveraging Global Partnerships for National Development

Furthermore, Nigeria’s digital identity push has received critical support from international development partners. Through the World Bank-led Digital Identity for Development (ID4D) project, Nigeria secured $430 million to modernize and expand its identity infrastructure. Additional financial support has come from the French Development Agency (AFD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Originally, the project set a target of enrolling 148 million people by mid-2024. However, due to challenges such as funding delays, infrastructural gaps, and low awareness, the country missed that milestone. In response, the World Bank extended the deadline to June 2026, giving Nigeria more time to implement reforms and scale operations.

The launch of the ward-level Corps deployment directly supports the goals of the restructured project. It shows Nigeria’s readiness to fast-track enrollment, achieve full disbursement of the funds, and meet its obligations under the global digital identity framework.

Public Awareness Takes Center Stage

In addition to field deployment, NIMC is rolling out an aggressive public awareness campaign. Radio programs, town hall meetings, social media messaging, and collaborations with local influencers will raise awareness and correct misinformation about the NIN registration process.

The Commission aims to demystify the enrollment experience and dispel myths about data misuse or surveillance. By promoting transparency and community engagement, NIMC hopes to boost participation across all social groups.

Also, the agency is working closely with religious and traditional institutions to amplify trust. In many rural areas, these local leaders play a crucial role in influencing behavior and encouraging community-wide involvement.

What to Expect in the Coming Months

The ward-based registration drive is expected to gain full momentum in the second half of 2025. By then, the first wave of Corps members will complete training and begin deployment. Subsequent batches will follow, ensuring coverage across all geopolitical zones.

By integrating this exercise into the NYSC calendar, the government has created a scalable model for identity registration. It is cost-effective, community-driven, and adaptable to different local realities.

NIMC has also assured that it will regularly monitor field activities, provide technical support, and evaluate performance metrics to measure progress toward the 95% enrollment target.

Conclusion

Through the strategic deployment of NYSC Corps members to ward-level centers, NIMC has taken a bold and decisive step toward achieving comprehensive NIN coverage. This initiative represents more than a digital identity campaign—it is a transformative national effort to build an inclusive, data-driven, and service-oriented Nigeria.

With clear objectives, strong partnerships, and focused execution, the Commission is poised to deliver on its mandate. As the December 2025 deadline approaches, millions more Nigerians will gain access to the opportunities and protections that a secure digital identity provides.