National Identity Management Commission
NIMC
About
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is a statutory Nigerian organisation that operates the country's national identity management systems. It was set up to create, operate and manage Nigeria's national identity card database, integrate existing identity databases in government institutions, register individuals and legal residents, and assign a unique national identification number. The commission oversees registration and distribution of the National Identification Number (NIN), issues national e-ID cards, conducts identity verification, and ensures the harmonisation and authentication of user data. It also runs an online self-service portal for modifying NIN details and issues the General Multi-Purpose Card (GMPC), which combines identity verification with payment and government services.
History
A national identity card system was first conceived in 1977 but did not go ahead. In 2003, a new scheme managed by the Directorate of National Civic Registration (DNCR) was started and about 54 million Nigerians were registered, but the scheme failed to meet official expectations and was hampered by allegations of corruption and embezzlement of funds. The National Identity Management Commission came into effect in 2010, and an initial budget of about 30 billion naira was appropriated in the 2011 federal budget. The commission later partnered with the National Database & Registration Authority of Pakistan and with two consortiums to provide data capture services. The organisation began its enrolment exercise in September 2010 and started issuing a multipurpose card in 2013, which included a prepaid element developed with MasterCard. In 2024 the commission denied reports of a data breach by a shadowy entity, XpressVerify.
Key Facts
Established
2007
Headquarters
11, Sokode Crescent, off Dalaba Street, Zone 5, Wuse, Abuja, FCT
Ag. DG/CEO
Engr Abisoye Coker-Odusote
Jurisdiction
Federal Government of Nigeria
Abbreviation
NIMC
Website
nimc.gov.ng