Nigeria to Add Iris Biometrics to National Digital ID System for Greater Inclusion

Nigeria’s National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is evaluating the addition of iris biometrics to its digital ID program, aiming to enhance accessibility and inclusion in the national identification system. The initiative would expand upon the current biometric enrollment process for the National Identification Number (NIN), which presently uses face and fingerprint recognition. This development follows the NIMC’s recent efforts to modernize its identity infrastructure through an $83 million system modernization tender launched in late 2024.

News of the plans came by way of Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the NIMC, during a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Journalism Fellowship training session. Coker-Odusote spoke through a representative, who mentioned that adding iris biometrics is among several innovations being planned to make the digital ID system more inclusive.

The proposed expansion specifically targets improved access for citizens with disabilities who may face challenges with traditional biometric methods. The NIN serves as a crucial credential for accessing various services throughout Nigeria, including banking, telecommunications, and government benefits. The addition of iris recognition would provide an alternative biometric option for individuals unable to provide reliable fingerprints due to physical conditions or occupational damage.

This potential implementation of iris recognition technology is part of a comprehensive modernization of Nigeria’s digital ID infrastructure. The NIMC is pursuing enhanced interoperability between government agencies while developing an updated legislative framework for identity management operations. The system will be built on the MOSIP platform, an open-source solution designed specifically for national ID programs that has been successfully implemented in several countries.

The World Bank has demonstrated continued confidence in Nigeria’s digital identity initiatives by extending its support through December 2026. The revised program now aims to issue 180 million digital IDs, an increase from the previous target of 148 million. This expansion reflects Nigeria’s growing population and the increasing importance of digital identity in accessing essential services.

Sources: Nigeria Communications Week

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January 10, 2025 – by Ali Nassar-Smith