Five months after the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) granted approval for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to begin registering inmates for National Identity Numbers (NIN), the process has yet to commence across any of the country’s 256 custodial centres.
The initiative, approved in January 2025, was aimed at integrating inmates into national development efforts, improving security within correctional facilities, and aiding identification in the event of jailbreaks.
The licence followed a formal request by the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, during a courtesy visit to the Director-General of NIMC, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, in Abuja.
Nwakuche had stressed that registration of inmates was a necessary step toward ending their exclusion from national databases and programmes.
He noted that such documentation would not only enhance their reintegration into society upon release but also support internal security by helping track and recapture escaped inmates when needed.
Despite the apparent urgency of the programme, sources within the NCoS confirm that logistical challenges have delayed its rollout.
According to insiders, the agency is still finalising preparations before registration can begin nationwide. Equipment, personnel deployment, and coordination with the NIMC are all reportedly in progress.
Responding to media inquiries, NCoS spokesperson Umar Abubakar confirmed the delay, explaining that the complexity and scale of the operation require careful planning.
He said, “Work is in progress. Don’t forget we have about 256 custodial centres across the federation, and it will take time to ensure all inmates are keyed into the system.”
The delay has drawn criticism from civil rights groups and security analysts who argue that continued inaction may weaken national security preparedness, especially given Nigeria’s history of high-profile prison breaks.
There are also concerns about inmates remaining absent from the national identity database, which could hinder future rehabilitation efforts.
With no clear timeline announced for when the exercise will begin, pressure is mounting on both the NCoS and NIMC to expedite the process.
Many Nigerians are calling for transparency, clear communication, and swift implementation to ensure the nation’s correctional facilities are not left behind in ongoing digital identification reforms.
