Over 70% of inmates now registered in NIMC database—NCoS
According to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), the vast majority of convicts in various detention facilities across the country have successfully enrolled in the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database.
The NCoS underlined that the service and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) worked together to achieve this.
It further stated that as of June 7, 2025, 59,786 detainees, or nearly 74% of the total population of 80,879 inmates, had been added to the NIMC’s database.
The service confirmed this in a statement issued by its public relations officer, Umar Abubakar, who refuted claims that the National Identity Number (NIN) registration exercise had yet to begin in all correctional institutions across the country.
Abubakar claimed that they are actively registering the remaining inmates and have put in place procedures to assure their successful completion.
He emphasised that the claim that registration had “yet to commence” in detention institutions is factually wrong and ignores the significant effort that has already occurred.
He noted that the service remains dedicated to fully integrating inmates into national data systems, including the NIN, as part of larger efforts to promote rehabilitation, reintegration, and digital inclusion for all people in custody.
The statement states, “The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has been alerted to a recent publication by a section of the media claiming that the National Identity Number (NIN) registration exercise has yet to begin in all custodial centres across the country.” This information is false and erroneous, and it does not reflect the current state of affairs at our custodial facilities.
“The service wishes to clarify unequivocally that the NIN registration of detainees in our detention facilities is not only ongoing but has made significant progress. The service’s collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has already successfully enrolled the majority of inmates from various detention facilities across the country in the National Identity Database.
According to available data, as of June 2025, 59,786 convicts, or nearly 74% of the overall population of 80,879 inmates, were captured on the NIMC platform.
“The registration of the remaining inmates is actively underway, and procedures have been put in place to assure its successful completion.
The notion that registration in detention institutions is “yet to commence” is factually incorrect and overlooks the significant amount of work already accomplished.
“The service remains dedicated to fully integrating inmates into national data systems, including the NIN, as part of broader efforts to foster rehabilitation, reintegration, and digital inclusion for all individuals in custody.
“The service therefore urges members of the media to verify information with relevant authorities before publication to avoid spreading misinformation that may mislead the public and undermine ongoing institutional efforts.”