World Bank Extends Nigeria’s Digital ID Project to 2026, Targets 180M Enrollments

The World Bank has extended its ID4D (Identification for Development) project in Nigeria through December 2026, with a new target of issuing 180 million National Identification Numbers (NINs). The extension follows a request from the Nigerian government in May 2024 and builds upon the country’s ongoing $83 million modernization of its National Identity Management System (NIMS).

The ID4D project aims to increase the number of persons with national ID numbers through a robust and inclusive foundational ID system. The system supports various development initiatives, including financial inclusion, social welfare programs, and security services. The project has already demonstrated significant progress, with over 64 million Nigerian bank accounts now secured through biometric authentication.

The extended project carries total funding of $430 million, a substantial increase from the initial World Bank commitment of $45.5 million. The continuation will enable a more comprehensive implementation of the national ID system, facilitating broader citizen enrollment and NIN issuance. The system features multimodal biometric authentication, including fingerprint and facial recognition capabilities, supporting the country’s recent move toward contactless biometric capture for government services.

The new target of 180 million NINs marks a significant scaling up of the program, positioning Nigeria’s digital identity system to potentially rival India’s Aadhaar in scope. The extended deadline to December 31, 2026, provides additional time for the Nigerian government to achieve this expanded objective while ensuring integration of the national ID system across economic sectors. The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is working with various technology partners to enhance the system’s infrastructure and ensure robust identity verification standards.

The initiative addresses broader identity management challenges in Africa. According to the World Bank’s ID4D Global Dataset from 2021, approximately 850 million people worldwide lack means to prove their identity, with 540 million of these individuals located in Africa. Nigeria’s expanded digital identity program is emerging as a potential model for other African nations, with recent implementations showing promising results in both public and private sector applications.

Sources: World Bank, Identosphere Blogcatcher, Lekki Business Chronicle, Techeconomy.ng, Brandiconimage.com

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December 24, 2024 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team