NIMC Uncovers 6,000 Nigeriens With NIN, Tinubu Orders NSA, Interior Minister to Oversee Cleanup
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has identified over 6,000 Niger Republic nationals illegally registered on Nigeria’s National Identification Number (NIN) database, prompting President Bola Tinubu to order an urgent clean-up of the system.
This revelation came during a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, where the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, briefed the council on ongoing efforts to verify and sanitize Nigeria’s national database.
Speaking on the development, a presidency source disclosed that the illegal NINs had been removed from the system.
“The interior minister said NIMC is tidying up the database because they found over 6,000 people from Niger Republic who obtained NIN. But they have been wiped from the database,” the source said.
The clean-up aligns with President Tinubu’s directive to ensure accurate and reliable data for the National Social Register, which serves as the foundation for social investment programs, including conditional cash transfers and student loans.
“The President doesn’t want to disburse money to people they cannot identify. They (NIMC) are ensuring that they verify the data. They are also registering more Nigerians and fine-tuning the data. So, the President wants it done quickly,” another source at the presidency stated.
The fraudulent registration of foreign nationals has long been a concern, with security agencies previously uncovering fake NIMC officials who were illegally enrolling non-Nigerians.
In October 2022, the Defence Headquarters revealed that troops, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police and Immigration Service, arrested two individuals suspected of registering foreign nationals at an IDP camp in Niger Republic.
The then Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, confirmed the arrest, stating, “It was revealed that the suspects had visited the Gagamari IDP camp in the Niger Republic to register non-Nigerians in the IDP camp.” He further noted that the culprits were found with NIN registration machines, laminating equipment, a computer tracking device, and other tools.
To prevent further breaches, Tinubu has tasked the National Security Adviser and the Interior Minister with joining an existing panel overseeing the Humanitarian Ministry’s affairs.
This move follows the President’s recent suspension of all Social Investment Programmes for six weeks, citing the need for a comprehensive review and reform.
Security experts warn that unauthorized access to Nigeria’s NIN system poses significant risks, including identity fraud and national security threats.
“The integrity of our national database is crucial for governance, security, and economic planning. Allowing foreigners to obtain NINs fraudulently undermines national security,” said a security analyst who preferred anonymity.
