NIMC Launches Ward-Level Enrollment to Hit 180M NIN Milestone

Nigeria is entering the final, most difficult phase of its digital identity rollout. The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced a nationwide ward-level enrollment drive set to commence on Monday, February 16, 2026.

This “grassroots offensive” is a strategic pivot to capture the remaining 53 million Nigerians required to meet the World Bank’s revised target of 180 million National Identification Numbers (NINs) by December 2026.

The Data Gap: From 127 Million to 180 Million

As of late 2025, NIMC had successfully enrolled 127 million Nigerians, a significant milestone, but still far from universal coverage.

The new ward-level strategy aims to bypass the “urban bottleneck” where registration centers are often over-capacity, by moving services directly into Nigeria’s 8,809 wards.

Target Population: Rural residents, children, and the aged people in underserved communities.

The “Free” Mandate: In line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, the commission reiterated that registration remains free of charge, a move to eliminate financial barriers for low-income citizens.

Rotational Deployment: Licensed Front-End Partners (FEPs) and NIMC staff will operate on a “rotational schedule” to ensure even the most remote wards are serviced.

Why the Ward Level Matters for the “Digital Stack”

A NIN is no longer just an ID card; it is the Foundational Identity for Nigeria’s growing digital public infrastructure (DPI). The success of this ward-level drive is critical for:

Financial Inclusion: KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements for the millions of unbanked Nigerians.

NELFUND: Seamless verification for students applying for federal loans.

Direct Benefit Transfers: Ensuring social intervention funds reach verified individuals without middleman leakage.

Nigeria’s NIN Growth & 2026 Targets

Strategic Execution: The FEP Partnership

To handle the logistical weight of a ward-to-ward campaign, NIMC is leveraging its Front-End Partners (FEPs), private sector firms licensed to conduct biometrics on behalf of the government.

“The ward enrollment schedules will guide the rotational movement of licensed front-end partners and NIMC staff,” noted Dr. Kayode Adegoke, head of Corporate Communications.

By decentralizing the process, NIMC is effectively turning the local ward into a “Digital Hub” for the duration of the exercise, utilizing community leaders and traditional rulers to build trust and drive turnout.

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