In a bold move to bring identity registration closer to the grassroots, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has launched a nationwide initiative to train selected National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members as official National Identification Number (NIN) enrollment agents.
The project, rolled out in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Development and NYSC, is a strategic part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to ensure that every Nigerian and legal resident is captured into the national identity database as swiftly and comprehensively as possible.
According to a statement from Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, the initiative—known as the Ward Enrolment Drive—will extend NIN registration to all 8,809 political wards across the federation, with particular focus on underserved and remote communities.
“So far, over 120 million Nigerians and legal residents have been successfully enrolled and issued the NIN. This initiative seeks to close the remaining gap by reaching populations previously considered inaccessible,” Adegoke said.
The corps members selected for this initiative are currently undergoing rigorous training to equip them with the technical, logistical, and operational know-how to carry out enrolments at the grassroots level.
Once deployed, they will serve as local champions of the NIN rollout, particularly targeting children under the age of 16, a demographic historically underrepresented in identity systems.
“This is not just about numbers—it’s about inclusion, access, and national development,” Adegoke emphasized.
Director General/CEO of NIMC, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, hailed the collaborative effort, describing it as a “critical step in democratizing identity access.” She also commended the unwavering support of President Tinubu, Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande, and NYSC Director General Brigadier-General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu for making the initiative a reality.
“With the support of our partners and the dedication of these young Nigerians, we are confident that every ward, every community, and every citizen will soon be within reach of this essential service,” Coker-Odusote stated.
