Nigeria is about to undergo a major transformation in managing its citizens’ identities, thanks to an ambitious project to modernize its biometric identification system. In collaboration with IDEMIA Smart Identity, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) of Nigeria is set to launch a significant upgrade of its existing system, promising to make it one of the most advanced in the world.

The new era of biometric identification in Nigeria

The upgrade envisioned by Nigeria and IDEMIA Smart Identity is unprecedented. With the goal of managing up to 250 million entries, the renewed system will allow for one million identity verification searches per day. This level of performance is crucial for Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, where the initial system, designed for 100 million entries, is nearing its maximum capacity with around 90 million records to date.

The importance of this project goes beyond national borders, supported by the World Bank as part of its ID4D (Identification for Development) program. The initiative aims to ensure legal identity for all by 2030, a goal aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The improved system will ensure efficient civil identity management, preserving the uniqueness of each Nigerian citizen in the national database.

Benefits and impacts of the new biometric system

The adoption of open standards and the assurance of connectivity between all components of the identity management ecosystem are key aspects of this upgrade. By complying with OSIA standards, Nigeria ensures seamless integration of different technologies, promoting a more open and flexible approach to identity management. This evolution is essential to meet the changing needs of a growing population and the socio-economic dynamics of the country.

The impact of this project on the Nigerian population cannot be underestimated. Reliable access to a secure identity is fundamental to exercising the rights and duties of a citizen, ranging from participating in democratic processes to accessing public and private services. The improved biometric system will play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for Nigerians, facilitating access to education, health, and financial services.

Towards inclusive and secure identification

The collaboration between the NIMC and IDEMIA Smart Identity underscores Nigeria’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies for the well-being of its citizens. This project represents an important step towards achieving the United Nations’ sustainable development goal of ensuring legal identity for all by 2030. By establishing a biometric system that is not only the most advanced but also scalable, Nigeria positions itself as a global leader in identity management.

The initiative reflects a growing awareness of the importance of secure and reliable identification for socio-economic development. By implementing a system that meets the highest international standards, Nigeria paves the way for a future where every citizen is recognized, protected, and empowered through their identity.