The World Bank has approved a two-year extension for Nigeria’s Digital Identity for Development (ID4D) project, pushing the deadline from December 31, 2024, to December 31, 2026.
This decision followed a request by the Nigerian government in May for a three-year extension, which was subsequently granted by the global financial institution.
The project, initially targeted to issue 148 million National Identification Numbers (NINs) by June 2024, fell short of this goal.
However, significant progress has been noted, with 115 million NINs issued as of October 2024.
The revised target now aims to register 180 million citizens and legal residents, focusing on closing the gap among women, persons with disabilities, and other disadvantaged groups.
The ID4D project is designed to empower Nigerians with digital identities to enhance access to government services, participation in the digital economy, and financial inclusion.
The $430 million initiative is co-financed by the World Bank’s International Development Association ($115 million), the French Development Agency ($100 million), and the European Investment Bank ($215 million).
So far, 53.16% of the funds have been disbursed.
In its restructuring document, the World Bank highlighted Nigeria’s strides in meeting critical milestones, including the amendment of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act to foster inclusivity and non-discrimination.
The amendment has passed two readings in the National Assembly, with the final reading and Presidential assent expected by early 2025.
Despite the progress, challenges remain, particularly in reaching underserved populations.
The World Bank noted that targeted enrollment efforts are underway to bridge these gaps and ensure the project’s objectives are met within the new timeline.
With the extension, the Nigerian government aims to complete all critical activities and achieve the developmental goals of the ID4D project, ensuring that millions more Nigerians can benefit from the opportunities offered by digital identification.