President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s dedication to enforcing the mandatory use of the National Identification Number (NIN) across Nigeria. Speaking at the National Identity Day event organized by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in Abuja on Tuesday, Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, emphasized that the NIN should serve as the key to accessing services and opportunities in both public and private sectors.

Highlighting the theme, “Public Key Infrastructure: Backbone To Digital Infrastructure,” Tinubu stated that over 126 million Nigerians and residents are now enrolled in the NIN database, which is critical for national security and economic growth.

“The National Identification Number must become the key that unlocks every service, every opportunity, and every platform in both the public and private sectors,” Tinubu said. “Our commitment goes beyond compliance; it is about securing our nation and ensuring every Nigerian participates fully in the digital era.”

He also noted NIMC’s success in harmonizing 125 partner agencies into a unified identity ecosystem that reduces duplication, cuts costs, and improves service delivery. The commission, working with security agencies, has arrested over 30 fraudulent operators and shut down illegal centers, maintaining global data security standards.

Interior Minister, represented at the event, affirmed Nigeria’s progress in integrating public key infrastructure (PKI) with national identity systems to enable secure e-government services, trusted digital signatures, and improved border and revenue management. The minister pledged continued modernization and secure enrollment efforts to support Nigeria’s digital economy.

NIMC Director Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote described the NIN as more than just a number, but a gateway to opportunity, security, and dignity for Nigerians, underlining the commission’s role in protecting identities and empowering citizens.

Several government leaders, including Senate President Goodwill Akpabio and Speaker of the House Tajudeen Abass, highlighted the NIN’s crucial role in Nigeria’s development in their goodwill messages at the event.