The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced plans to commence nationwide ward-level enrollment for the National Identification Number (NIN) beginning Monday, February 16, 2026, as part of efforts to expand identity registration to grassroots communities across Nigeria.
According to a statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications, NIMC, Dr. Kayode Adegoke, the Commission said the exercise follows a presidential directive mandating NIMC to decentralise NIN enrollment and make the registration process more accessible to citizens and legal residents at the ward level nationwide.
According to the Commission, the exercise is aimed at ensuring the comprehensive registration of all Nigerians and legal residents, including children and adults, into the National Identity Database. NIMC also emphasized that the enrollment will be conducted free of charge.
The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to promote inclusive governance, national development, and broader access to identity services.
NIMC noted that the ward-level enrollment represents a strategic move to deepen identity inclusion by bringing registration services closer to communities.
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The Commission said the initiative is expected to reduce the burden of long-distance travel to enrollment centers and encourage wider nationwide participation.
As part of preparations for the exercise, NIMC disclosed that it has begun engaging key stakeholders at national, state, and local government levels through sensitisation and awareness campaigns on the importance and benefits of NIN registration.
The engagement includes collaboration with state governments, local government authorities, traditional rulers, community leaders, market associations, and faith-based organizations to ensure smooth and seamless implementation across wards nationwide.
The Commission urged Nigerians and legal residents who are yet to enroll to take advantage of the opportunity, encouraging families to register their children, parents, and relatives within their communities.
NIMC added that ward enrollment schedules, which will guide the rotational deployment of licensed front-end partners and NIMC staff, are available on its official website.