The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced the federal government's approval and launch of the National Identification Number Authentication (NINAuth) application. This application is designed to provide seamless identity verification across Nigeria. According to a statement released by Kayode Adegoke, NIMC’s head of corporate communications, President Bola Tinubu has directed all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to utilize NINAuth for identity verification purposes.

This directive aligns with NIMC's core mandate of establishing a reliable national digital identity system for citizens and legal residents. The NINAuth application is intended to enhance data security, protect user privacy, and streamline access to various government services. It is a key component of President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at strengthening the National Identity Management System.

The NIN Authentication (NINAuth) suite includes web, API, and mobile verification services. As the official service for integration with NIMC’s backend infrastructure, it introduces a robust layer of protection, empowering individuals with greater control over their personal information. The platform requires explicit consent before data is shared for Know Your Customer (KYC) processes or other verification purposes, fostering trust, transparency, and user autonomy in digital identity management.

With NINAuth, individuals can securely verify their identity to access essential government services, including SIM registration and replacement, immigration applications and passport processing, tax filings, and financial transactions. It will also facilitate access to government intervention programs, driver’s license renewals, and other regulatory processes.

Key features and benefits of NINAuth include enhanced security measures to protect personal data from unauthorized access, user control empowering individuals to manage their data-sharing preferences, and seamless access providing a secure single sign-on solution for convenient access to services. The application was built with a secure, scalable, and interoperable interface to support identity verification through API integration, facilitating real-time authentication of NIN records.

NIMC emphasizes that NINAuth is designed to promote effective service delivery, database harmonization, and compliance with the National Identity Policy of the Federal Government of Nigeria. The NINAuth service has been designated as the exclusive platform for all NIN-based verification and authentication integration processes to ensure optimal services. Nigerians are encouraged to download the NINAuth app from the Google Play Store or Apple iOS App Store, with implementation guides and process flows available on the NIMC website.

NIMC also stated that the new service makes it easier and safer to verify people’s identities using their National Identification Number. The Presidency has instructed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to use this new NIN Authentication service for identity checks, supporting NIMC’s duty to provide a reliable digital ID system for Nigerians and legal residents. The new service, called NIN Authentication, can be used through the web, mobile apps, or API and helps protect people’s data, ensures privacy, and makes it easier to use government services.

It adds a strong layer of protection and gives people more control over their personal information and requires users to give permission before their data is used for services like Know Your Customer or other checks, encouraging trust and allowing people to manage how their information is shared. 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, allowing real-time verification of NIN records, helping improve service delivery and compliance with national identity rules.