The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has launched a digital identity and consent-management platform, NINAuth, which would allow Nigerians to decide who has access to their personal data.
The app was developed by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and unveiled by President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday with top government officials in attendance.
The president said, “Today’s official launch of the NIMC NINAuth App heralds a remarkable day in our nation’s digital public infrastructure journey as Africa’s largest identity database. This innovation marks yet another milestone in our collective pursuit of a digitally empowered Nigeria.
“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, our administration is committed to leveraging technology to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in governance. Central to this agenda is the modernization of digital infrastructure to eliminate unnecessary bottlenecks and ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of background or location, has access to essential services without the frustration of bureaucratic delays.
“This way, we are simplifying access, reducing bureaucratic interference, and reducing the gaps within which inefficiency and corruption can thrive.
In her remarks, the Director-General of NIMC, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, said, “It’s a platform that allows user consent management, meaning Nigerians now have control over their own data.
“With this app, users can decide what information they want to share and who they want to share it with, whether it’s for banking, SIM registration, education, or health insurance.
“After giving someone access to your data, you can later decide to revoke that access. It gives citizens autonomy and full control. It’s also seamless; for example, if law enforcement stops you, you can open the app and show your digital ID right away.
“This is the first time we are having this kind of app in Nigeria. It allows every individual to use their identity data to improve their daily lives seamlessly.
“Now, instead of filling out repetitive forms at banks or offices, you can simply scan a QR code, and your verified data is accessed instantly.
“NIMC-NIN is the single source of truth. Every other sectoral ID links back to it. This linkage helps government interventions reach real people, ensures accountability, and prevents ghost beneficiaries.”
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stated, “Your excellency, you are solving tomorrow’s problem with technology. Technology is dynamic; it is bridging the gap.
“Every nation that desires to be efficient must first build systems that can identify, authenticate, and secure its citizens. Identity is not just an administrative requirement; it is the backbone of governance, national security, and service delivery.”
According to reports, users receive a real-time alert any time their NIN is accessed and can also track, approve, or deny data requests.
There was also a live demonstration of NINAuth to show how it simplifies tax registration, passport renewal, and other features.
