President Bola Tinubu has stressed that a harmonized national identity system is vital to enhancing Nigeria’s security and socio-economic growth.
Speaking at the 7th National Day of Identity Day organized by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in Abuja, Tinubu highlighted the importance of the National Identity Number (NIN) as a critical tool for governance, security, and access to opportunities. The 2025 celebration carried the theme: “Public Key Infrastructure (PKI): Backbone to Digital Public Infrastructure.”
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the president explained that the NIN had proven to be a foundation for building trust, strengthening governance, and expanding access.
“The benefits of a secure and trusted identity system are immense. For our economy, it means greater inclusion, better planning, and stronger financial systems. For security, it means accurate identification, reduced criminal exploitation, and more effective protection of our people. For governance, it means precision in policy implementation, accountability in service delivery, and confidence in government. For the citizen, it means empowerment, visibility, and access to opportunities,” he said.
Tinubu further noted that without PKI, digital platforms would remain vulnerable, adding that NIN is already driving reforms across key sectors. He explained that the number now facilitates student access to educational loans through NELFUND, supports business registration at the Corporate Affairs Commission, strengthens immigration processes, aids accurate data collection for the National Population Commission, enhances efficiency in the tax system via the Federal Inland Revenue Service, and helps safeguard electoral integrity through the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He also pointed out its role in streamlining admissions with JAMB and securing the mobilization of youth corps members through the National Youth Service Corps.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, emphasized that proper identity management is central to public accountability. According to him, building a secure system requires transparency in procurement, consistent testing, third-party assessments, and internationally recognized standards to ensure that Nigeria’s certificates and signatures are globally accepted.
NIMC Director-General, Bisoye Coker-Odusote said NIN, when reinforced with PKI, stands as a gateway to security, dignity, and opportunity for all Nigerians. She stressed the need for stronger collaboration, technological innovation, and regional partnerships to maximize the impact of identity systems.
What you should know
Nigeria’s push for a harmonized identity system reflects the government’s effort to link the NIN with key services in education, taxation, immigration, and elections.
President Tinubu believes it will improve security and governance while giving citizens broader access to opportunities. The inclusion of PKI is aimed at ensuring that Nigeria’s digital infrastructure is trusted, secure, and aligned with global standards.
