6,000 Illegal Nigeriens Found in NIN Database as FG Moves to Clean Up Social Register
Abuja, Nigeria – February 7, 2025
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has identified and removed over 6,000 non-Nigerians, primarily Nigerien nationals, who were illegally registered in its National Identification Number (NIN) database.
The discovery comes as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed an inter-ministerial committee to ensure a comprehensive and fraud-free National Social Register for the Federal Government’s social investment programs, including student loans and cash transfer schemes.
Database Cleanup Underway
Sources within the Presidency confirmed that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, briefed the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Tuesday, February 4, regarding ongoing efforts to sanitize NIMC’s database. The illegal NINs, which were reportedly obtained through fraudulent registrations, have now been expunged.
According to the sources, the cleanup is crucial for ensuring that only legitimate Nigerian citizens benefit from government welfare programs. The humanitarian ministry and the education ministry require accurate data to administer cash transfers and student loans, preventing funds from being misallocated.
A senior government official explained:
“The President does not want money disbursed to people who cannot be identified. NIMC is ensuring that the database is verified and cleaned up. More Nigerians are also being registered to ensure that only those who genuinely need assistance receive it.”
Following the FEC meeting, President Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Interior Minister, Tunji-Ojo, to join the existing presidential panel overseeing the humanitarian ministry’s operations.
Illegal NIN Registration in Border Areas
Investigations revealed that unauthorized NIN registrations have been occurring in border communities, where some corrupt agents allegedly registered foreign nationals for a fee. In 2022, Nigerian security forces arrested two fake NIMC officials who were caught enrolling non-Nigerians at an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Niger Republic.
Items recovered from them included NIN registration machines, printing and laminating devices, and a generator. The fraudulent practice has raised concerns about security risks and unauthorized access to Nigerian identity credentials.
Ensuring Transparency in Government Welfare Programs
Speaking on the importance of the cleanup, NIMC Director-General Bisoye Coker-Odusote emphasized that the exercise would enhance transparency in social investment programs.
“This process ensures that government payments go to real and verifiable beneficiaries. By linking NIN to payments, we eliminate ghost beneficiaries and ensure funds reach those who truly need them.”
She added that the National Social Register, which houses details of all welfare beneficiaries, must now be linked to NIN to verify identities before disbursement.
Security Experts Call for Political Will
Security analysts argue that while undocumented foreigners holding NINs is not a new issue, the government must demonstrate stronger political will to stop it.
Retired Brigadier General Aliyu Momoh stated:
“Nigeria’s porous borders have long allowed undocumented foreigners to move freely. Unlike Nigeria, countries like Chad and Cameroon do not allow such laxity. The government’s effort is commendable, but there is still much to be done.”
With the latest crackdown on fraudulent NIN registrations, the Tinubu administration aims to strengthen national security and ensure that social investment programs serve only legitimate Nigerian citizens.