Most Nigerian Inmates Now Registered in National Identity Database, Says NCoS
In a significant development for national data inclusion and prison administration, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed that the majority of inmates across the country’s custodial centres have been successfully enrolled into the National Identity Management Commission’s (NIMC) database.
The move follows a January 2025 agreement granting NCoS official license from NIMC to conduct biometric registration of inmates across all 256 custodial centres nationwide.
This initiative, which forms part of Nigeria’s broader digital identity strategy, ensures that incarcerated individuals—both convicted and awaiting trial—are integrated into the country’s national identity infrastructure.
According to the NCoS, the enrolment drive has already covered a substantial portion of the inmate population, which stands at over 79,000. While the exact figure was not disclosed, correctional authorities say that the majority of inmates now possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN), a requirement increasingly necessary for access to public services, financial institutions, and legal records in Nigeria.
“This isn’t just about data collection—it’s about dignity, reintegration, and national security. For the first time, many inmates—particularly those from marginalized communities—now have a recognized digital identity that allows them to be counted in national planning and considered for post-release support,” an NCoS spokesperson said.
The benefits of the NIN enrolment go beyond administrative convenience. Officials say the identity registration will assist in streamlining prison management, aid law enforcement in tracking inmates, and facilitate re-arrest efforts in cases of jailbreaks or escape. It will also allow inmates to legally participate in educational and vocational programs—some of which now offer advanced degrees up to PhD level—while in custody.
Beyond security and logistics, the initiative is part of a larger national effort. The federal government, through the NIMC, has set a target to enrol 180 million Nigerians and legal residents into the digital identity system by the end of 2026. As of late 2024, over 115 million had been registered, with the inclusion of inmates marking a significant step toward full demographic coverage.
“This effort ensures that no Nigerian is left behind,” said a senior official at the Ministry of Interior. “Whether inside or outside correctional walls, every citizen deserves to be counted.”
Inmates who are released with valid NINs will be better positioned to reintegrate into society, as identity is often a prerequisite for employment, education, voting rights, and social programs.
Looking ahead, NCoS officials said the remaining inmates would be registered in the coming weeks to complete the first phase of the rollout. The service is also exploring mechanisms to automatically assign NINs to all new intakes as part of standard prison intake procedures.
As the government continues to digitize key sectors and push for a unified national database, this development places Nigeria among a small but growing group of countries ensuring that even their incarcerated populations are included in digital governance frameworks.
