Physical Address
60 Ekwema Cres, Layout 460281, Imo
NIN Registrations Reached 117.3 Million in February, as the Country Continues to Develop a Strong Digital ID Infrastructure
Nigeria’s National Identification Number (NIN) registrations reached a new high of 117.3 million in February 2025, marking a major leap in the country’s push for a modern digital identity system. This number jumped by over seven million people in just five months, up from 110 million in September 2024.
Breaking down the numbers, men make up 56.5% of those registered (66.2 million), while women account for 43.5% (51.07 million). Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous state, leads with 12.6 million registrations, followed closely by Kano (10.2 million) and Kaduna (6.9 million). At the other end, Bayelsa and Ebonyi recorded the lowest figures, with fewer than a million registrations each.
This growth is part of Nigeria’s ambitious plan to create a digital identity system that works for everyone. The idea is simple: a single ID number should help people access services like banking, healthcare, and even phone networks more easily. But it’s not just about convenience. The government hopes this system will cut fraud, speed up service delivery, and make sure everyone gets the help they need.
The project is backed by the World Bank and other international partners, who initially wanted Nigeria to enroll at least 148 million people by mid-2024. But delays in some states, like poor internet access and low awareness, meant Nigeria missed that deadline. Now, the World Bank has given Nigeria until December 2026 to finish the job.
The extra time is crucial. Right now, some government programs are struggling because not enough people have NINs. For example, cash transfers to poor families or SIM card registrations can get stuck if people aren’t enrolled. But with the deadline pushed back, Nigeria can fix these problems. Plans include upgrading the system to handle more data and making sure every corner of the country has working registration centers.
Of course, challenges remain. In some states, people still don’t know why they need a NIN, or they live too far from registration points. But the government is working hard to spread the word and make the process smoother.
Why does this matter? A strong digital ID system could transform Nigeria. Imagine being able to open a bank account, get a passport, or claim government support without endless paperwork. It’s not just about technology, it’s about fairness and efficiency.
Read Next: Adetunji Opayele, Co-founder of Bumpa, Passes Away
With 117.3 million people already enrolled, Nigeria is halfway to its goal. The next step is to keep pushing, especially in states that are lagging behind. If the country can meet its new deadline, it won’t just be a number, it’ll be a foundation for a better future.
The journey isn’t over yet, but one thing is clear: Nigeria’s NIN registrations reaching 117.3 million in February is a sign that progress is real. Now, it’s time to keep moving forward.
Was this information useful? Drop a nice comment below. You can also check out other useful contents by following us on X/Twitter @siliconafritech, Instagram @Siliconafricatech, or Facebook @SiliconAfrica.
