NIMC Records 117 Million NIN Registrations as of February 2025

Lagos, Kano Lead in National Identity Number Enrolment

The (NIMC) National Identity Management Commission ,has recorded a total of 117 million registrations for the National Identity Number (NIN) as of February 28, 2025. According to the latest enrolment statistics from the NIMC dashboard, the registration data shows a gender disparity, with 56.5% (66,281,803) of registrants being male, while 43.5% (51,079,521) are female.

The report further highlights regional variations in NIN registrations across Nigeria. Lagos State leads the country with over 12.6 million registrants, followed closely by Kano State, which has 10.2 million registrations. Other states, including Kaduna, Ogun, Oyo, and Katsina, also recorded high enrolment numbers.

In contrast, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, and Ekiti have the lowest NIN enrolment figures, with Bayelsa recording fewer than 800,000 registrations. The report also underscores an almost equal distribution of registrations across the North and South, indicating widespread adoption of the national identity system.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Recall Process To Be Decided In 90 Days

State-by-State Breakdown of NIN Registrations

The NIMC report provides a detailed breakdown of NIN enrolments across Nigeria, highlighting the top-performing and least-performing states.

Top 10 States with the Highest NIN Registrations

1. Lagos – 12,612,334 registrants (6,870,915 males, 5,741,419 females)
2. Kano – 10,246,055 registrants (5,924,126 males, 4,321,929 females)
3. Kaduna – 6,945,818 registrants (3,832,083 males, 3,113,735 females)
4. Ogun – 4,926,721 registrants (2,567,102 males, 2,359,619 females)
5. Oyo – 4,539,340 registrants (2,361,100 males, 2,178,240 females)
6. Katsina – 4,019,964 registrants (2,369,071 males, 1,650,893 females)
7. Federal Capital Territory (FCT) – 3,795,690 registrants (2,213,061 males, 1,582,629 females)
8. Rivers – 3,532,787 registrants (1,923,311 males, 1,609,476 females)
9. Delta – 3,198,779 registrants (1,691,182 males, 1,507,597 females)
10. Bauchi – 3,078,996 registrants (1,927,994 males, 1,151,002 females)

States with the Lowest NIN Registrations

1. Bayelsa – 758,111 registrants (416,015 males, 342,096 females)
2. Ebonyi – 990,775 registrants (537,939 males, 452,836 females)
3. Ekiti – 1,143,102 registrants (566,229 males, 576,873 females)
4. Cross River – 1,397,233 registrants
5. Taraba – 1,768,754 registrants
6. Yobe – 1,857,532 registrants
7. Kogi – 1,912,382 registrants
8. Enugu – 1,946,464 registrants
9. Kwara – 2,004,667 registrants
10. Imo – 2,024,423 registrants

Analysis of NIN Registration Trends

Gender Distribution and Regional Imbalance

The NIMC statistics indicate a noticeable gender disparity in enrolments, with men making up 56.5% of all registered individuals, while women account for 43.5%. This difference could be attributed to socioeconomic and cultural factors, particularly in rural communities where women may have limited access to registration centers or face traditional restrictions.

From a regional perspective, there is an almost equal distribution of NIN registrations between the North and South. However, some northern states, such as Kano and Katsina, have significantly higher enrolment numbers compared to states in the South-East and South-South, where figures remain relatively low.

Urban vs. Rural Disparities

Urban states, especially Lagos, Kano, and Abuja, have higher registration numbers, likely due to better awareness, infrastructure, and accessibility of NIN registration centers. In contrast, rural states, particularly those with difficult terrain or security challenges, such as Bayelsa, Taraba, and Yobe, have lower enrolments.

Factors Driving High NIN Enrolments in Leading States

Several factors contribute to the high NIN registration rates in states like Lagos, Kano, and Kaduna:

1. High Population Density – These states are among the most populous in Nigeria, leading to a natural increase in registrations.
2. Economic and Commercial Hubs – Cities like Lagos, Kano, and Abuja are economic centers, where residents often require NINs for transactions, banking, and employment.
3. Better Infrastructure and Awareness – Government efforts to sensitize urban populations and establish multiple enrolment centers have facilitated the process.
4. Strict Government Policies – The Nigerian government has linked NIN to essential services, such as SIM card registration, banking, and travel, prompting citizens to register.

Challenges Facing NIN Registration in Low-Enrolment States

Despite NIMC’s efforts, certain states continue to struggle with low NIN enrolments. Some of the challenges include:

1. Poor Awareness Campaigns – Many residents in states like Bayelsa and Ebonyi remain unaware of the importance of NIN registration.
2. Difficult Terrain and Infrastructure – Rural and riverine communities face transportation difficulties, making access to enrolment centers challenging.
3. Security Concerns – States like Yobe and Taraba have been affected by insecurity, preventing smooth registration processes.
4. Cultural and Religious Barriers – In some conservative regions, women face challenges in enrolling for NIN due to traditional restrictions.

Government Strategies to Boost NIN Enrolment

To address these challenges, the Nigerian government, through NIMC, has introduced several initiatives:

1. Mobile Registration Units – NIMC has deployed mobile teams to remote and underserved areas to increase registration.
2. Collaboration with Telcos and Banks – The government has partnered with telecommunication companies and banks to integrate NIN enrolment into their services.
3. Awareness Campaigns – More efforts are being made to educate citizens, particularly in rural areas, on the importance of NIN registration.
4. Incentives for Registration – There have been discussions on offering incentives to encourage more people to register, such as discounted services for NIN holders.

The Future of NIN in Nigeria

The 117 million NIN registrations recorded as of February 2025 mark a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to develop a comprehensive national identity database. With continued government efforts, technological advancements, and public awareness campaigns, NIMC aims to achieve full national coverage in the coming years.

Despite challenges in rural areas, initiatives such as mobile enrolment and digital integration will likely boost NIN adoption rates, ensuring that all Nigerians are accounted for in the national database.

As the government continues to integrate NIN into critical sectors, including banking, telecommunications, and security, having a National Identity Number will soon become a necessity rather than an option for all Nigerians.