NIN Registration for Inmates: NIMC Grants Licence to Correctional Service for Nationwide Enrollment
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has granted the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) the authority to register inmates in 256 custodial centers across Nigeria for the National Identity Number (NIN). This landmark development was announced by Acting Controller General Sylvester Nwakuche during a visit to NIMC’s Director General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, in Abuja on Tuesday 14th of January 2025.
Empowering Inmates Through NIN Registration
Nwakuche emphasized that providing NIN registration for inmates will ensure their inclusion in Nigeria’s national development plans, enhance their security, and aid in their recapture during jailbreak incidents. He highlighted the ongoing reforms within the correctional service system, which have enabled many inmates to achieve educational milestones, including university degrees, master’s degrees, and even PhDs.
“Such inmates should not be excluded from national development plans. They should be integrated into society to contribute meaningfully to their families and the nation,” Nwakuche said.
The initiative also addresses the needs of those awaiting trial, ensuring they are accounted for in national planning, census activities, and other critical initiatives.
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NIN: Cornerstone of National Development
Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the NIMC DG, reiterated the critical role of NIN in driving national development. She noted that NIN is already integrated into key sectors, including banking and financial services, ensuring transparency and security.
She highlighted that the National Identity System is tied to essential government policies such as student loans, helping eliminate fraud and ensuring targeted distribution of resources. “We will give you the license and the support needed to carry out your mandate effectively,” Coker-Odusote assured.
The NIMC DG expressed excitement over this new collaboration with NCoS and emphasized that similar partnerships with agencies like the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) have already yielded results in delivering on their mandates.
Meaning In Nigeria’s Identity Database
The expansion of NIN registration to custodial centers is a significant step in ensuring no Nigerian is left out of the national identity system. While the initiative has faced challenges, including funding constraints, support from international organizations like the World Bank’s Identity for Development (ID4D) project is helping accelerate progress.
As of October last year, 115 million Nigerians and legal residents had been issued NINs. This new effort to register inmates will not only increase these numbers but also include individuals who are often excluded from such national initiatives.
Conclusion
This initiative underscores Nigeria’s commitment to building an inclusive and comprehensive national database. With NIMC’s partnership and support, the Nigerian Correctional Service is poised to play a crucial role in ensuring inmates are counted and included in national development plans, reinforcing their reintegration into society.
