NIMC begins nationwide ward-level NIN enrollment drive

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has commenced nationwide ward-level enrollment for the National Identification Number (NIN), following a presidential directive aimed at deepening grassroots identity registration across the country.

The exercise officially began on Monday, February 16, 2026, as part of efforts to expand access to the National Identity Database and ensure that every Nigerian citizen and legal resident—both children and adults—is captured.

In a statement issued by Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, the Commission disclosed that the enrollment will be conducted free of charge.

The initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to promote inclusive governance, national development, and broader access to essential identity services.

According to the Commission, the ward-level approach is designed to decentralise services and bring registration directly to communities, thereby reducing travel costs and logistical challenges that have previously limited participation.

“The ward-level enrolment initiative represents a strategic step towards deepening identity inclusion, decentralizing services, and bringing registration to the ward level (communities), thereby improving accessibility, reducing travel burden, and promoting nationwide participation,” the statement read.

To ensure a seamless rollout, NIMC said it has commenced engagements with stakeholders at national, state, and local government levels. Sensitisation campaigns are ongoing to educate the public on the importance and benefits of obtaining a NIN.

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State governments, local council authorities, traditional rulers, community leaders, market associations, and faith-based organisations are being consulted to facilitate smooth implementation across all wards nationwide.

The Commission urged members of the public to take full advantage of the initiative by enrolling themselves and their family members, including children and elderly relatives, within their communities.

NIMC noted that the ward enrollment schedules, detailing the rotational movement of licensed front-end partners and Commission staff, are available on its official website.

For further inquiries, assistance, or complaint resolution, members of the public are advised to contact the Commission’s toll-free helpline: 0800 061 6462.

With the new ward-to-ward enrollment strategy now underway, the Commission aims to accelerate Nigeria’s identity coverage, enhance service delivery, and strengthen the country’s digital and governance infrastructure through comprehensive NIN registration.