The Federal Government has approved a new National Identification Number (NIN) verification service by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), aimed at improving the safety, speed, and reliability of identity authentication in Nigeria.

This update was confirmed in a statement on Tuesday by Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, who explained that the initiative is part of the government’s wider strategy to strengthen the country’s digital identity infrastructure.

According to Adegoke, the Presidency has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to adopt the new NIN Authentication Service for any official identity verification going forward. This decision supports NIMC’s core mandate of establishing and maintaining a secure, digital, and universal identity system for Nigerians and legal residents.

“This service will help ensure a faster, safer, and more consistent identity verification experience across all sectors,” Adegoke said.

The rollout comes amid increasing demand for trusted digital identity services across public and private institutions, particularly in financial services, telecommunications, and e-governance platforms.

NIMC also emphasized that this service will aid in reducing identity fraud, simplifying processes for accessing government and commercial services, and enhancing national planning and security.

The NIN Authentication Service adds a strong layer of protection to Nigeria’s digital identity system and gives individuals more control over their data. According to NIMC’s spokesperson, Kayode Adegoke, the platform requires users to grant explicit permission before their data is used for services like Know Your Customer (KYC) checks or other verification processes. Adegoke emphasized that this approach not only boosts data privacy but also fosters public trust, allowing citizens to manage how their information is accessed and shared.

Adegoke said the launch of NINAuth shows NIMC’s continued effort to improve identity verification in Nigeria.

The platform is built to be secure, flexible, and compatible with other systems through API integration.

It allows real-time verification of NIN records, helping improve service delivery and compliance with national identity rules.

He said NINAuth is now the official platform for all identity checks that use the NIN.

With NINAuth, Nigerians can now safely verify their identity and seamlessly access key services such as SIM registration and replacement, passport applications, tax filings, financial transactions, and more. The platform is also designed to support driver’s licence renewals, government intervention programmes, and other official processes.

According to NIMC, the platform brings several critical benefits, including enhanced security, protection against unauthorized access, and user control over data sharing. One standout feature is its single sign-on access, which makes it easier for users to authenticate once and use multiple services without repeated logins.

Adegoke emphasized that these upgrades aim to make digital identity services more accessible, secure, and trustworthy for every Nigerian.