World Bank Increases Nigeria’s NIN Target to 180 Million

The World Bank has raised Nigeria’s target for National Identification Numbers (NIN) issuance under the Digital Identity for Development (ID4D) project from 148 million to 180 million, signaling confidence in the country’s progress despite previous setbacks.

Launched in February 2020 with a $430 million budget, the ID4D project seeks to create an inclusive digital identity system that enhances access to services, financial inclusion, and participation in the digital economy. By November 2024, Nigeria had received $228.59 million of the allocated funds, which were initially meant to facilitate the enrollment of 148 million NINs by June 2024. However, the country missed this target, prompting the World Bank to extend the project timeline to 2026.

As of November 2024, the project had disbursed 53.16% of its funds. The financing comprises $115 million from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), $100 million from the French Development Agency (AFD), and $215 million from the European Investment Bank (EIB). Despite the delay, Nigeria has made significant strides toward meeting the final disbursement condition, which includes amending the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act to ensure an inclusive and non-discriminatory regulatory framework.

The revised NIN target is part of a two-phase extension to help Nigeria achieve key project milestones and expand access to underserved populations. As of October 2024, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) had issued 115 million NINs, but the target remains short of the original June 2024 goal.

The World Bank has emphasized the need to close the gap, especially for vulnerable groups such as women, people with disabilities, and marginalized communities. To expedite progress, Nigeria has secured a six-month extension to redesign and implement a new identity management system, built on open-source and interoperable architecture. With this condition met, a second extension of 24 months is now proposed, pushing the project’s completion date to December 2026.

Legal reforms also remain a priority, with the NIMC Act amendment already passing two readings in the National Assembly. The final approval for the amendment is expected by February 2025, which will strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy framework.