NIMC Rolls Out Free Ward-Level NIN Registration Nationwide, Begins Feb 16

|By Chinwendu Nwani

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has unveiled plans to commence ward-level enrollment for the National Identification Number (NIN) across Nigeria, in a move aimed at expanding grassroots access to identity registration.

In a statement issued by its Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, the Commission confirmed that the exercise will begin on February 16, 2026, in line with a presidential directive to extend NIN registration to the ward level nationwide.

NIMC said the enrollment will be free and open to all Nigerians and legal residents, including children, for inclusion in the National Identity Database. The Commission stressed that the initiative seeks to decentralise its services, ease access for citizens, and eliminate the hardship of long-distance travel associated with NIN registration.

The Commission disclosed that detailed ward-by-ward enrollment schedules have been published on its official website. It added that members of the public can also obtain further information through its toll-free customer service line.

NIMC urged Nigerians to seize the opportunity to register and obtain their NIN, describing the exercise as a critical step toward strengthening Nigeria’s national identity system and improving service delivery.