The linkage of SIM cards to the National Identification Number (NIN) database (NIN-Sim linkage) has reached a new high of 172.67 million in May 2025, according to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
This development is being hailed as a major boost for digital governance and inclusive access to services in Nigeria.
Speaking at a two-day Roundtable with Guild of corporate Online Editors (GOCOP) in Lagos, Engineer Abisoye Coker-Odusote, NIMC director general/CEO, revealed that more than 3 million farmers and 800,000 students have already benefited from NIN-linked services across sectors like agriculture, education, and social protection.
The DG represented by Lanre Yusuf, director of Software and Biometrics at NIMC, said:
“With NIN now a prerequisite for accessing student loans, farmer subsidies, SIM card registration, and social welfare schemes, we are seeing unprecedented levels of financial inclusion.
“Over 3 million farmers and 800,000 students have already benefited from NIN-linked services.
“In addition, SIM-NIN linkage as at May, 2025, has reached 172.67 million, enhancing regulatory compliance and financial service accessibility.
“Our partnership with the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO) has further expanded enrolment coverage among Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations, validating entries into the National Social Register and enabling better-targeted poverty alleviation programs”.
The SIM-NIN integration also enhances national security and financial inclusion, enabling regulatory bodies like the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to strengthen digital compliance frameworks. Additionally, NIN validation now underpins service delivery across JAMB, NHIS, FRSC, INEC, and PENCOM.
The Commission pledged to continue expanding coverage to underserved groups, with over 7,000 trained front-end agents and dedicated outreach initiatives under the Nigeria Digital ID4D project.
NIMC says its overarching goal is to ensure that every Nigerian can say: “I am recognised, I am included, I am identified.”
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