Nigeria races to complete national ID project by year-end

Nigeria is pushing to finalize its national identity project, with President Tinubu mandating the capture of every citizen by the end of the year. This ambitious goal follows significant progress, with over 137 million Nigerians and legal residents now enrolled in the National Identity database, a substantial increase from previous years. The recent signing of the NIMC Act 2026, replacing the 2007 statute, underscores the administration's commitment to this critical infrastructure.

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No modern state can govern, plan, or protect a population it cannot properly count.

However, the project faces persistent hurdles. Years of slow enrollment can be attributed to inadequate infrastructure, inconsistent funding, a scarcity of registration centers, and the logistical difficulties of reaching remote populations. Public confidence has also been eroded by concerns about the database's centralization, operational speed, and susceptibility to misuse. Allegations of foreign nationals being registered alongside citizens during a previous administration continue to circulate, undermining trust in the system's integrity.

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This project is both defective and unfinished business.

The effectiveness of the national identity system is also questioned in relation to security. While linking National Identification Numbers (NIN) to SIM cards and bank accounts was intended to curb anonymity for criminals, activities like kidnapping and banditry persist. A truly effective system requires universal enrollment, rigorous verification, and intelligent integration with law enforcement to combat organized crime. Such a system would also facilitate fraud prevention, enable precise targeting of social welfare programs, and provide the government with an accurate population count for better governance and planning.

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A national identity system is only as strong as the public’s confidence that no one can quietly slip through its checks.

The path forward involves disciplined execution rather than abandonment or rushed implementation. This includes enhancing verification processes, strengthening border controls, improving data protection, and ensuring persistent follow-through until universal enrollment is achieved. Nigeria's need for this system extends beyond national prestige; it is fundamental for establishing order, ensuring security, and building the basic capacity for effective governance. The focus must remain on completing this essential task without further delay.

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Nigeria does not need this system for prestige. It needs it for order, security, and the basic capacity to govern.