Nigeria is progressing towards its target of issuing digital IDs to 148 million citizens by 30 June, according to the World Bank's 2023 annual report, highlighting some of the National Identity Management Commission's efforts. The commission has issued 104.16 million national identification numbers (NINs), representing 70 percent of the target.

Innovative measures, such as enhancing enrollment software and partnering with civil society to enroll more women and children, have expedited the process. Still, challenges remain, including the need to shorten issuance times and improve inclusivity. To improve governance and coordination, the government has formed a steering committee.

The program is funded by the World Bank, the International Development Association, the European Investment Bank, and the French Development Agency.

Why does it matter?

Implementing digital IDs in Nigeria offers the potential for streamlining government services and expanding access to financial and social welfare programs. However, alongside these benefits come significant concerns about privacy and data security breaches. Recently, Nigeria faced a notable database breach, prompting the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to restrict access to its digital ID repository. Now, access is limited to essential public service providers, focusing on ensuring compliance with data protection laws and privacy policies.