The Federal Government(FG) has insisted that verified identity is essential for financial access, public services, and national security as Nigeria marked its eighth National Day of Identity on Wednesday.
Nigerians without a National Identification Number (NIN) have been urged to register as this is necessary for access to the formal economy and digital public services.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the appeal as Nigeria celebrated its eighth National Day of Identity at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja.
The event, organised by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), under the Ministry of Interior, focused on the theme, “Nigeria’s Digital Public Ecosystem: Powering Africa’s Digital Economy.”
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Tunji-Ojo said the country’s progress in digital services depended on its ability to establish a trusted identity system that could connect citizens with government services and economic opportunities.
He said millions of Nigerians without verified identity could be excluded from the formal economy, limiting their access to digital commerce and public services.
NIN and access to public services
The minister said identity verification could help government reach citizens who need public services and improve the delivery of such services.
“Trusted identity is the bridge between the state and the citizen,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo said a reliable identity system could support economic opportunities, national security and social inclusion.
He explained that identity was not simply a personal record but an important part of how citizens interacted with the government and the economy.
“Without verified identity, millions remain locked out of the formal economy. With it, digital commerce thrives, public services reach those who need them most, and the state can serve with precision and dignity,” he said.
His comments placed the registration of citizens for the NIN within the larger discussion about Nigeria’s digital economy.
The minister also appealed to Nigerians who had not enrolled for a NIN to do so.
“To every Nigerian yet to enrol for a National Identification Number: the time is now,” he said.
He also advised those who had already registered to protect their identification details.
“To those already registered, guard your credentials with care. Your identity is your digital footprint. Value it. Protect it. Use it responsibly,” Tunji-Ojo said.
New law provides legal foundation
The minister also drew attention to the National Identity Management Commission Act, 2026, which he said had been enacted under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Tunji-Ojo said the new law provided a modern legal foundation for Nigeria’s digital public infrastructure.
He presented the legislation as part of the government’s plan to build a trusted system for managing national identity and protecting citizens’ personal information.
According to the minister, the law reassured Nigerians that their personal data was being treated as a protected national asset.
He said the legislation also provided the legal support needed for the country’s digital identity system.
The minister linked the identity programme to the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying the administration was working towards a country where identity would support opportunity, security and dignity.
He said the National Day of Identity offered an opportunity to recognise the importance of every Nigerian having a place within the national identity system.
“Every Nigerian matters, every Nigerian deserves recognition, and every citizen must be included and protected,” Tunji-Ojo said.
The minister’s message came as the country used the annual event to discuss the role of national identity in building Nigeria’s digital public ecosystem and supporting Africa’s digital economy.
He encouraged Nigerians to treat their identification details with care as the government continued to promote identity registration and the protection of citizens’ personal data.
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