The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has identified over 6,000 Nigeriens who were illegally registered with the National Identification Number (NIN) in Nigerian citizens’ database.
This development follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a thorough review of the National Social Register to enhance the effectiveness of the Federal Government’s social investment initiatives.
Reports indicate that on February 4, 2025, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, informed the Federal Executive Council (FEC) about the NIMC’s ongoing efforts to clean up the national database. He confirmed that the fraudulently obtained NINs had been removed as part of this process.
Concerns over fraudulent NIN registrations surfaced in October 2022 when the Defence Headquarters reported the arrest of fake NIMC officials. According to then-Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Musa Danmadami, the suspects had travelled to an IDP camp in the Niger Republic to register non-Nigerians. Authorities recovered a NIN registration machine, printing and laminating equipment, a generator, and other materials. It was alleged that these individuals charged foreigners, primarily from neighbouring countries, for illegal NIN registrations—an issue prevalent in border regions.
The NIN, a unique 11-digit number, is essential for verifying identities in both government and private sector transactions. The Presidency underscored the importance of maintaining an accurate database, ensuring that only qualified Nigerians benefit from social intervention programs like student loans and cash transfers.
An official source confirmed, “The Minister of Interior reported that over 6,000 Nigeriens had secured NINs fraudulently, but they have now been removed from the database.”
As a result, President Tinubu directed the national security adviser and the interior minister to join an inter-ministerial committee supervising the humanitarian ministry. This directive aligns with his previous decision to suspend social investment programs in January 2024 to allow for a comprehensive overhaul.
NIMC Director-General Bisoye Coker-Odusote reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to data accuracy and transparency. “The NIN ensures that individuals receiving funds are not ghost beneficiaries,” she stated. “Verifiable records save the country money and promote transparency.”
Addressing recent concerns over NIN-SIM linkage, Coker-Odusote clarified that recent technical glitches stemmed from telecom operators, not NIMC. She emphasized the significance of the NIN in authenticating identities for payments linked to the National Social Register.
Experts have warned of the security risks associated with undocumented foreigners possessing NINs, attributing the issue to porous borders and insufficient enforcement. Retired Brigadier General Aliyu Momoh remarked, “In many northern states, you find numerous undocumented non-Nigerians moving freely. Can Nigerians do the same in Chad or Cameroon? No! However, the current administration is taking steps in the right direction.”
