The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has uncovered over 6,000 foreign nationals from Niger Republic who were illegally registered in its National Identification Number (NIN) database. Following this revelation, President Bola Tinubu has directed an inter-ministerial committee to clean up the database and ensure that only eligible Nigerians benefit from social investment programmes.
NIN Clean-Up to Prevent Fraudulent Registrations
During a briefing to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on February 4, 2025, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed that the NINs assigned to the 6,000 non-Nigerians have been revoked as part of an ongoing database audit.
Investigations revealed that fraudulent NIN registrations have occurred in border communities, where fake agents allegedly charged foreign nationals to illegally obtain Nigerian identification credentials.
Tighter Control Over Social Investment Beneficiaries
The database clean-up is crucial to ensuring that only genuine Nigerians benefit from government programmes such as:
- Conditional Cash Transfers
- Student Loans
- Other Social Welfare Initiatives
A source in the Presidency noted, “The President doesn’t want to disburse money to people they cannot identify. The database is being verified to ensure transparency and accountability.”
Following the briefing, Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser, Interior Minister, and Education Minister to join an existing Special Presidential Panel (SPP) overseeing the humanitarian ministry.
Ensuring Transparency in Government Payments
NIMC’s Director-General, Bisoye Coker-Odusote, emphasized that linking NIN to payments would prevent fraud and eliminate ghost beneficiaries.
“If you can tie NIN to beneficiaries, you ensure that only real, verifiable individuals receive funds. This will save Nigeria a lot of money and boost public trust in government programs,” she stated.
Security Concerns Over Undocumented Foreigners
Security experts warn that the presence of undocumented foreigners with Nigerian NINs is not new and could persist unless border security is strengthened.
Retired Brigadier General Aliyu Momoh noted, “Our borders are porous. Non-Nigerians move freely in some northern states, but Nigerians cannot do the same in Chad or Cameroon. Political will is key to solving this.”
Despite these challenges, the Tinubu administration and security agencies are taking steps to tighten identity management and protect national resources from fraudulent access.
