The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced that nationwide ward-level registration for the National Identification Number (NIN) will begin on Monday, February 16, 2026.
The commission said the exercise follows a presidential directive mandating it to take NIN enrolment to grassroots communities across the country.
In a statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, NIMC said the initiative is aimed at ensuring comprehensive registration of all Nigerian citizens and legal residents, including both adults and children, into the National Identity Database.
The commission stated that the enrolment will be conducted free of charge as part of the Federal Government’s renewed hope agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which focuses on inclusive governance, national development and improved access to identity services.
According to the statement, the ward-level exercise is designed to deepen identity inclusion, decentralise services and bring registration closer to communities, thereby improving accessibility, reducing travel burdens and encouraging wider participation.
NIMC urged Nigerians and legal residents who are yet to enrol to take advantage of the opportunity.
It also disclosed that the commission has begun engagements with stakeholders at national, state and local government levels through sensitisation and awareness campaigns on the importance and benefits of the NIN.
The statement added that state governments, local government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, market associations and faith-based organisations are being consulted to ensure a smooth nationwide exercise.
Members of the public were encouraged to turn out in large numbers to enrol themselves and their family members within their communities.
NIMC said ward enrolment schedules for the rotational movement of licensed front-end partners and its staff are available on its website, while inquiries or complaints can be directed to its toll-free line: 0800-061-6462.
