President Bola Tinubu has directed that Nigeria achieve 95 per cent coverage in National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment by December 2026.
The President issued the directive on Wednesday in Abuja during the 8th National Identity Day celebration.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, Tinubu said the Federal Government was developing the digital infrastructure needed to harness Nigeria’s identity system as a driver of economic growth.
He noted that the theme of the celebration highlighted the importance of connecting the country’s digital ecosystem with its digital economy and wider economic development.
“Nigeria’s digital ecosystem must power Nigeria’s digital economy, and Nigeria’s digital economy must help power Africa’s economy. Our identity infrastructure will be a critical component of this ambition,” he said.
The President said the government was working towards establishing a system where a secure digital identity could be used for online businesses, banking, welfare payments, healthcare, education and transportation services.
He added that efforts were being accelerated to develop a secure national system capable of protecting digital documents, electronic signatures and online transactions.
According to him, the system would enable Nigerians to securely sign documents online, authenticate government-issued documents and safeguard digital payments and official communications.
