Nigeria is entering the final, most difficult phase of its digital identity rollout. The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced a nationwide ward-level enrollment drive set to commence on Monday, February 16, 2026.
This “grassroots offensive” is a strategic pivot to capture the remaining 53 million Nigerians required to meet the World Bank’s revised target of 180 million National Identification Numbers (NINs) by December 2026.
The Data Gap: From 127 Million to 180 Million
As of late 2025, NIMC had successfully enrolled 127 million Nigerians, a significant milestone, but still far from universal coverage.
The new ward-level strategy aims to bypass the “urban bottleneck” where registration centers are often over-capacity, by moving services directly into Nigeria’s 8,809 wards.
Target Population: Rural residents, children, and the aged people in underserved communities.
The “Free” Mandate: In line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, the commission reiterated that registration remains free of charge, a move to eliminate financial barriers for low-income citizens.
Rotational Deployment: Licensed Front-End Partners (FEPs) and NIMC staff will operate on a “rotational schedule” to ensure even the most remote wards are serviced.
Why the Ward Level Matters for the “Digital Stack”
A NIN is no longer just an ID card; it is the Foundational Identity for Nigeria’s growing digital public infrastructure (DPI). The success of this ward-level drive is critical for:
Financial Inclusion: KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements for the millions of unbanked Nigerians.
NELFUND: Seamless verification for students applying for federal loans.
Direct Benefit Transfers: Ensuring social intervention funds reach verified individuals without middleman leakage.
Nigeria’s NIN Growth & 2026 Targets
| Metric | Status (Dec 2025) | 2026 World Bank Target | Monthly Requirement |
| Total Enrolled | 127 Million | 180 Million | ~4.4 Million / Month |
| Capacity | 250M Records | 250M Records | System Ready |
| Lagos (Highest) | 13.1 Million | — | — |
| Kano (2nd Highest) | 11.5 Million | — | — |
Strategic Execution: The FEP Partnership
To handle the logistical weight of a ward-to-ward campaign, NIMC is leveraging its Front-End Partners (FEPs), private sector firms licensed to conduct biometrics on behalf of the government.
“The ward enrollment schedules will guide the rotational movement of licensed front-end partners and NIMC staff,” noted Dr. Kayode Adegoke, head of Corporate Communications.
By decentralizing the process, NIMC is effectively turning the local ward into a “Digital Hub” for the duration of the exercise, utilizing community leaders and traditional rulers to build trust and drive turnout.
