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The number of Nigerians in the diaspora enrolling for the National Identification Number (NIN) has surged by 307.88%, skyrocketing from 366,164 in 2023 to 1.49 million in 2025, according to new data from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). This unprecedented growth reflects the federal government’s continued efforts to streamline registration, enhance accessibility, and enforce mandatory NIN requirements for passport renewals and other official transactions.
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The latest statistics from NIMC reveal that 930,044 males and 563,469 females have registered, contributing to an overall increase in Nigeria’s total NIN enrolment, which has grown by 21.24%, reaching 117 million from 96.5 million during the review period (February 22, 2023 – February 28, 2025).
According to the World Bank’s ‘World Development Report 2023: Migrants, Refugees, and Societies,’ at least 1.7 million Nigerians reside in the diaspora, making digital identity registration a critical step in linking them to national services.
Global Expansion of NIN Registration Centres
Since 2019, when NIMC introduced diaspora NIN registration, the initiative has significantly expanded, with enrolment centres now available in 77 countries across the globe:
- 40 in Africa
- 23 in Europe & Oceania
- 9 in Asia & the Middle East
- 5 in the Americas
The Nigerian government has reinforced its commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location, has access to a National Identification Number, simplifying the process for its diaspora community.
Government-Backed Digital Identity Drive
The Nigerian NIN project has received $228.59 million in funding from a $430 million financing package backed by the World Bank, French Development Agency, and European Investment Bank.
The World Bank has emphasized that a robust digital identity system will not only benefit Nigerian citizens but also drive economic growth and unlock opportunities within the country’s digital economy.
To further enhance convenience, the Federal Government in 2024 launched:
- A NIN mobile app for seamless online verification and enrolment.
- A Diaspora Focal Point Desk to resolve NIN-related issues within 24 hours.
- A contactless enrolment software, allowing Nigerians abroad to register remotely without visiting physical centres.
Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making the process easier for Nigerians living overseas. She emphasized that linking NIN to international passports would now be more efficient and hassle-free.
NIN: A Digital Identity Revolution
The Nigerian government continues to prioritize NIN enrolment as a crucial step in national security, financial inclusion, and digital transformation. As the diaspora registration momentum accelerates, the NIN initiative is expected to further enhance cross-border verification, seamless travel, and access to essential services for Nigerians worldwide.
With a record-breaking increase in enrolments, improved digital solutions, and strategic funding from global financial institutions, Nigeria is positioning itself as a leader in digital identity management across Africa.
