The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has achieved a major milestone in its drive to digitally register inmates nationwide, announcing that more than 74% of inmates across the country have now been enrolled into the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database.
According to the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Umar Abubakar, as of June 7, 2025, a total of 59,786 inmates out of the national custodial population of 80,879 have been successfully registered.
The initiative marks a significant step toward inclusive data management and digital integration within Nigeria’s justice and correctional systems.
The announcement comes in the wake of recent media reports alleging that National Identity Number (NIN) registration had not yet begun in custodial centres — a claim the NCoS firmly denied.
“That report is both misleading and inaccurate,” Abubakar stated. “It completely ignores the extensive work already done through our partnership with the NIMC.”
He confirmed that the registration exercise is ongoing in all centres and that logistics are in place to ensure full enrollment of all remaining inmates.
“The process is progressing smoothly, and mechanisms have been established to ensure seamless completion,” he added.
Abubakar emphasized that capturing inmates in the national identity database is part of a broader reform agenda aimed at strengthening rehabilitation and reintegration, while ensuring that all individuals including those in custody are not left behind in Nigeria’s digital transformation.
“This isn’t just about records. It’s a strategic move that supports national planning, enhances inmate welfare, and promotes institutional accountability,” he noted.
The NCoS also cautioned the media against spreading unverified information, stressing the importance of consulting credible sources before publishing reports that could mislead the public and distort the achievements of key national initiatives.
Nigeria’s push for universal NIN registration is central to a range of federal policies, including national security, banking access, and social services delivery.
Extending the initiative to correctional centres represents a crucial expansion of that effort one that could improve documentation, service provision, and post-custodial support for inmates.
