The National Identity Management Commission has refuted claims that Nigeria does not operate a functional national identity database, describing the allegation as inaccurate and out of touch with current realities.
In a statement issued by Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, NIMC confirmed that the National Identity Database, established under the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, is fully operational, secure, and actively supporting identity verification and authentication services across the country.
The Commission disclosed that the database currently holds records of more than **130 million Nigerians**, each assigned a unique National Identification Number (NIN). Its storage capacity has also been expanded from 100 million to 250 million records to accommodate future enrollment growth and broader national coverage.
NIMC highlighted the deployment of NINAuth, a digital identity authentication platform designed to facilitate secure biometric and demographic verification against the central database. The system, according to the Commission, is already in use by security agencies, law enforcement bodies, and various government ministries, departments, and agencies for identity verification, background checks, and operational purposes.
The database also supports the harmonisation of existing government records, fraud prevention, public service delivery, and national security operations, NIMC said, noting that several security agencies are leveraging the NIN through the database to address security threats.
The statement also referenced the Commission's real-time Verification and Authentication Services, which enable seamless identity confirmation for government institutions, financial service providers, and other partner organisations.
The rebuttal follows remarks made on Saturday by Nigeria's Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, at the Nigerian People's Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 in Abuja. Musa argued that the absence of a comprehensive and integrated national database had hampered security agencies' ability to identify, track, and apprehend criminals.
"We are struggling because we do not have a proper database. Without accurate information and timely intelligence, it becomes difficult to identify, track and apprehend criminal elements operating within our communities," the minister said.
NIMC, however, maintained that its database is a major component of Nigeria's digital public infrastructure and reiterated its commitment to data security, privacy protection, and continuous improvement in line with global best practices.
According to the most recent published data on the NIMC website, which covers October 2025, some **123.9 million NINs** had been issued at that point. Lagos State recorded the highest cumulative enrollment figure of over 13.1 million, followed by Kano State with 11.5 million.
