Policy Title

Mandatory Use of the National Identification Number Regulations (2017)

Focus Area

Governance, Tech Policy & Governance

Country

Nigeria

Type

Regulation

The Mandatory use of the National Identification Number Regulations expands the legal requirement for Nigerians and residents to present a National Identification Number (NIN) before accessing a wide array of services, ranging from passport issuance and voter registration to opening bank accounts and registering SIM cards. Enforced by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the rules mandate that government agencies and private entities check NIN validity and authenticate users against a national database. This comprehensive scope aims to streamline identity verification processes, reduce fraud, bolster security, and harmonize citizen data under a unified national system.