The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has confirmed that the number of Nigerians registered in the National Identification Number (NIN) database has risen to 118.4 million in March 2025. This represents an increase of about one million from February’s figure of 117.3 million.
Lagos remains the state with the highest number of enrollees at 12.7 million, followed by Kano with 10.4 million and Kaduna with 6.9 million. Other top-performing states include Ogun (4.9 million), Oyo (4.5 million), and Katsina (4 million). The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) recorded 3.8 million, Rivers 3.5 million, Delta 3.2 million, and Jigawa 3.1 million.
In contrast, Bayelsa recorded the lowest enrolment with 767,620. Ebonyi followed with 999,991, and Ekiti with 1.1 million. Others with low enrolment figures include Cross River, Taraba and Yobe with 1.4 million, 1.7 million, and 1.8 million respectively.
Gender distribution in the data showed a gap, with 66.9 million registered males compared to 51.5 million females, representing 56.5 per cent, 43.5 per cent respectively.
“The extension provides an opportunity to address existing gaps and to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind.
The ID4D project is co-financed by the World Bank, the French Development Agency (AFD), and the European Investment Bank (EIB), with a total funding commitment of $430 million. The funding aims to support the development of a robust and secure digital identity infrastructure for Nigeria’s estimated 220 million citizens.
The NIN is now a key requirement for accessing several government and financial services, making enrolment a critical step toward digital inclusion.
The NIN is now a key requirement for accessing several government and financial services, making enrolment a critical step toward digital inclusion. “A trusted and inclusive ID system is foundational for effective governance, service delivery, and social protection,” the World Bank stated, emphasizing the importance of the ID4D project, which has been extended to June 30, 2026.
