AN average Nigerian is expected to have a National Identity Number (NIN), Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), Driver’s Licence, International Passport, Bank Verification Number (BVN) and Tax Identification Number (TIN). Based on the economic status a Nigerian has, other cards one may hold include the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) card, employee identity card, SIM registration card and student identification card.
ESTABLISHING a national database for Nigerians has become not just a necessity but a foundation for sustainable growth. Accurate, comprehensive data is the bedrock of effective planning for any nation, yet Nigeria has struggled for decades to implement a centralised database that encompasses all citizens. While efforts, including repeated national censuses, have aimed to fill this gap, they have often fallen short due to logistical issues, suspicions of manipulation, and a lack of consistent infrastructure. As a result, crucial government planning and decision-making are often based on estimates rather than reliable data, making it difficult for the country to achieve its full potential.
A functional national database would enable Nigeria to address numerous development challenges systematically. Planning for a growing population begins with knowing how many people need access to essential resources such as healthcare, education, housing, and employment. Without accurate demographic data, government efforts to address these needs become superficial, and policies risk being out of touch with the reality on the ground.
SEVERAL countries have transformed their planning and service delivery through effective national databases. India’s Aadhaar program, launched in 2009, is one such example. Today, over a billion Indians are enrolled in the Aadhaar system, creating a digital identity that facilitates the efficient delivery of social services and reduces fraud. Similarly, Sweden’s population registry is an example of how a well-maintained database can lead to effective service provision. From healthcare to housing and taxation, Sweden’s registry enables seamless interaction between citizens and the state, allowing efficient access to services and fostering transparency and accountability.
IN Nigeria, however, the situation is far from streamlined. The country currently operates multiple, fragmented databases across various agencies. Each institution maintains its records, often without coordination, resulting in an overlap of data collection efforts and inefficient use of resources. The lack of a centralised system not only complicates planning but also leads to potential security risks. In recent years, Nigeria’s inability to accurately identify and track citizens during security incidents has revealed critical gaps in our national data framework. A harmonised database could provide the means to track movements, monitor demographic trends, and swiftly respond to crises.
FRAGMENTED data systems have social implications. Conducting a national census in Nigeria has historically been marred by controversy and suspicion. Accusations of undercounting or over-representation are common, with various groups feeling marginalised. A unified, transparent national database could mitigate these tensions, as it would reduce the need for contentious headcounts and allow real-time population monitoring. For example, countries like South Korea and Germany maintain comprehensive population registers that keep track of births, deaths, and migration patterns, reducing the reliance on traditional census-taking.
A centralised database also supports economic development. Businesses rely on data to understand market demographics, identify customer needs, and plan their operations. Access to accurate demographic data would enable Nigerian businesses to target their services more effectively and attract both local and international investors, who often require dependable data before making substantial investments. When businesses thrive, the economy grows, creating jobs and fostering development across multiple sectors. It will also improve Nigeria’s financial inclusion rates, streamlining the identification process for banks, reducing onboarding costs and enabling more Nigerians to access loans and participate fully in the economy.
THE government must prioritise the development of a centralised database under a single agency, ideally the NIMC, to avoid the duplication of resources and reduce inefficiency. Empowering the NIMC to manage national identity data would not only simplify identification processes but also foster collaboration between different sectors, including banking, healthcare, transportation, and social services.
CREATING a national database requires strong political will, investment, and public cooperation and the need to look beyond ethnic and regional divides in achieving a harmonised database. Countries that have successfully implemented comprehensive databases have focused on inclusivity and the public good, rather than narrow interests. The time has come for Nigeria to prioritise a national database, a fundamental tool that will underpin our journey toward development, prosperity, and unity.