Nigeria's National ID Enrollment Expansion

The Nigeria===National Identity Management Commission announced it will commence nationwide ward-level enrollment for the National identification number on February 16, 2026. This initiative, following a presidential directive from President Bola Tinubu, aims to expand National identification number registration to the grassroots, ensuring comprehensive capture of all Nigerians and legal residents into the National Identity Database. The enrollment will be free of charge and aligns with the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda. It seeks to decentralize identity services, reduce travel burdens, and improve accessibility, especially for rural communities. The Nigeria===National Identity Management Commission has engaged various stakeholders and launched sensitization campaigns. This effort is part of Nigeria's broader Digital Identity for National Development project, co-financed by the World Bank Group, France===French Development Agency, and European Investment Bank, which was extended to December 31, 2026, to meet revised enrollment targets.