Experts Question NIMC’s Unified Database Claim as Nigerians Continue to Face Identity Verification Challenges

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) says Nigeria has eliminated fragmented identity databases through the National Identification Number (NIN), but experts and citizens say everyday experiences suggest the country’s digital identity system is yet to function seamlessly.

Speaking during the ID4Africa Annual General Meeting in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and later in an interview with Vanguard, NIMC Director-General Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote said the commission has integrated major government databases using the NIN as Nigeria’s master identity.

“We no longer have fragmented databases in place because we have been able to integrate based on use cases,” she said.

According to Coker-Odusote, the NIN now connects records across government agencies handling taxation, immigration, education, healthcare, aviation, security and social intervention programmes, while financial institutions, telecom operators, insurance companies and fintech firms authenticate customers through NIMC’s real-time verification platform.

She explained that although identifiers such as the BVN remain relevant within their sectors, the NIN functions as the country’s universal identity.

“The NIN is the master ID, which means your sectoral ID only works for that sector like BVN only works for the financial sector. However, the NIN works for all the sectors,” she stated.

The system is designed to allow institutions to verify identities using biometric authentication linked to an individual’s NIN, eliminating the need for repeated submission of personal information.

However, many Nigerians say they still complete extensive forms when accessing government and private services, suggesting that adoption of the authentication infrastructure remains inconsistent.

Technology experts and policy analysts interviewed by Vanguard noted that while the national identity framework has advanced considerably, implementation across institutions has not yet reached the level required to deliver a seamless user experience.

David Omobola, who recently opened a bank account in Lagos, said he was surprised to be asked to provide all his personal information despite already possessing a NIN.

“I recently opened a First Bank account and had to provide all my details again—my name, age, date of birth and other information—even after giving them my NIN,” he said.

He added:

“I don’t think they have fully integrated NIN into the systems of government agencies and private organisations yet. If they had, there would be less need for people to keep submitting the same information everywhere they go.”

Similarly, business owner Mercy Obadare recounted how incorrect information on her NIN created discrepancies with her international passport, forcing her into a lengthy correction process.

“My date of birth on the NIN was different from what was on my international passport. I don’t know how it got mixed up because I provided the correct information during registration,” she said.

Obadare said repeated server failures delayed the process for months, while correcting the records eventually cost her more than ₦80,000.

Stakeholders maintain that although the NIN has become Nigeria’s foundational digital identity credential, achieving full interoperability across all public and private institutions remains an ongoing challenge.

Africans Angle News