The Federal Government has approved the launch of a new digital identity verification service developed by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), designed to streamline and secure the process of confirming individuals’ identities using their National Identification Number (NIN).
The development was announced in a statement by NIMC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, on Tuesday in Lagos.
The service, known as NIN Authentication or NINAuth, will now serve as the official platform for all identity checks that rely on the NIN. In support of this move, the Presidency has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to adopt the new system for identity verification purposes.
According to Adegoke, NINAuth can be accessed via the web, mobile applications, or API, offering enhanced privacy protections, secure data management, and streamlined access to government and private services.
“This platform empowers Nigerians and legal residents with greater control over how their personal information is shared and used,” he said.
NINAuth is designed to facilitate processes such as SIM registration and replacement, passport issuance, tax filings, financial transactions, government support programmes, and driver’s licence renewals. The platform includes a permission-based system that ensures users explicitly authorise any data access for services like Know Your Customer (KYC) checks.
Additional features include:
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A single sign-on mechanism for secure access to multiple services
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Real-time NIN record verification
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Improved data privacy and protection against unauthorised access
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Compatibility with external systems via API integration
Adegoke emphasised that the launch of NINAuth demonstrates NIMC’s ongoing commitment to building a reliable and secure digital identity system that supports Nigeria’s national development goals.
