By DAYO ADESULU
FG Intensifies Database Clean-Up to Ensure Transparency in Social Investment Programs
Abuja, Nigeria – February 7, 2025 – The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has uncovered and removed over 6,000 Nigerien nationals illegally registered in its National Identification Number (NIN) database.
The discovery comes as President Bola Tinubu orders an inter-ministerial committee to ensure an accurate and transparent National Social Register for government social investment programs, including student loans and conditional cash transfers.
FG Cracks Down on Illegal NIN Registrations
During a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on February 4, 2025, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, reported that the illegal NINs had been withdrawn as part of an ongoing database clean-up by NIMC.
Security reports indicate that fraudulent NIN registration schemes have been exploited in border communities, allowing undocumented foreigners to obtain Nigerian identity credentials.
Fake NIMC Officials Arrested for Illegal Registrations
This revelation follows the October 2022 arrest of two fake NIMC agents by Nigerian security forces. The suspects were allegedly registering non-Nigerians, particularly displaced persons from Niger Republic, using fraudulent NIN enrollment machines.
Security agencies recovered:
✅ NIN registration machines
✅ Printing & laminating devices
✅ Computer tracking systems
✅ Generator sets
Authorities believe these unauthorized registrations pose a serious national security risk, enabling illegal migration, identity fraud, and potential criminal activities.
Tinubu Orders Clean-Up of National Social Register
President Tinubu has directed a thorough verification process to ensure only genuine Nigerians benefit from government social programs.
A Presidency source disclosed:
“The President wants the database to be accurate and ensure that only real Nigerians in need receive financial aid, not ghost beneficiaries or foreigners.”
The Humanitarian Affairs Ministry and the Education Ministry require verified data to facilitate fair disbursement of student loans and social welfare funds.
Inter-Ministerial Committee to Oversee NIN Reforms
To fast-track this initiative, Tinubu has expanded the Presidential Panel on Social Investment Programs to include:
🔹 National Security Adviser – Nuhu Ribadu
🔹 Interior Minister – Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo
🔹 Education Minister – Tunji Alausa
🔹 Humanitarian Affairs Minister – Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda
This panel will work alongside existing members, including:
✔️ Finance Minister & Panel Chairman – Wale Edun
✔️ Budget & Economic Planning Minister – Abubakar Bagudu
✔️ Health & Social Welfare Minister – Prof. Ali Pate
✔️ Communications & Digital Economy Minister – Bosun Tijjani
NIMC DG Assures Transparency in Social Programs
NIMC Director-General, Bisoye Coker-Odusote, emphasized that the clean-up will:
✔️ Eliminate ghost beneficiaries from the National Social Register
✔️ Ensure proper identity verification using NIN before payments
✔️ Prevent fraud in student loan disbursement
“This initiative will ensure that only genuine beneficiaries receive government support, preventing fraud and financial mismanagement,” she stated.
Security Experts Call for Border Control Reforms
Security analyst Brig. Gen. Aliyu Momoh (Rtd.) noted that Nigeria’s porous borders have long enabled unauthorized migration and identity fraud.
“Can a Nigerian move freely in Chad or Cameroon without proper documentation? No! Yet, many undocumented foreigners live freely in northern Nigeria. This issue requires strong political will to resolve.”
He praised Tinubu’s administration for addressing this challenge, emphasizing the need for tighter border controls and stricter NIN registration processes.
Conclusion: Strengthening Nigeria’s Identity System
The Federal Government’s efforts to sanitize the NIN database mark a significant step toward curbing identity fraud, securing national data, and ensuring transparent social investment programs.
Hashtags for Awareness & Engagement:
#NINVerification,
#IdentityFraud,
#NationalSecurity,
#NigeriaDataCleanUp,
#SocialInvestmentReforms,
#SecureBorders,
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