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The World Bank has granted Nigeria a two-year extension for its ambitious Digital Identity for Development (ID4D) project, extending the deadline from December 31, 2024, to December 31, 2026. The decision came after the Nigerian government requested a three-year extension to achieve its revised target of issuing 180 million National Identification Numbers (NINs).
Progress Amid Challenges
The World Bank, in its project restructuring document, commended Nigeria’s efforts despite falling short of the initial target to issue 148 million NINs by June 2024.
“The government has made notable progress, and on this basis, a two-year extension is being approved to allow the completion of critical activities and to achieve the project’s development objectives,” the Bank stated.
As of October 2024, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) had issued 115 million NINs to Nigerian citizens and legal residents. However, significant gaps remain in reaching disadvantaged groups, including women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations. These gaps hinder access to essential government services, digital economy participation, and financial inclusion for millions.
Funding and Legislative Milestones
The ID4D project, supported by a $430 million investment, is funded by the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) ($115 million), the French Development Agency ($100 million), and the European Investment Bank ($215 million).
To date, 53.16% of the funds have been disbursed. A key remaining condition for full disbursement is amending the NIMC Act to establish a more inclusive legal and regulatory framework. The proposed amendments have already passed two readings in the National Assembly, with the third reading scheduled for January 2025. The President is expected to sign the Bill into law by February 2025.
Bridging the Digital Divide
The World Bank lauded Nigeria’s focused enrolment campaigns targeting vulnerable populations to bridge the digital identification gap. The revised goal of issuing 180 million NINs aims to integrate more Nigerians into the digital economy, improving access to government services and advancing financial inclusion.
The Bank emphasized that the extension would provide the necessary time to achieve the project’s long-term objectives, ensuring its success in transforming Nigeria’s digital identity landscape.
With the new timeline, Nigeria is poised to make significant strides in addressing digital inclusion challenges and fostering sustainable development through enhanced digital identity systems.
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