$196m NIN funds unspent, FG seeks extension

The Nigerian government has sought a 12-month extension for its $430 million digital identity project, with around $196 million of the funding yet to be disbursed. According to a World Bank restructuring report, the project, known as the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Project, aimed to expand access to identification and services.

However, as of September 30, 2026, only 121 million National Identification Numbers (NINs) had been issued, falling short of the 180 million target. The project's closing date was originally scheduled for December 31, 2026, but the extension would push it to December 31, 2027. The extension request was made on May 8, 2026, and this would be the third extension for the project since its February 2020 board approval.

The World Bank, alongside the French Development Agency and the European Investment Bank, has contributed $115 million, $100 million, and $215 million, respectively, to the project. However, only 54.4% of the financing has been disbursed, with the remaining $196 million representing 45.6% of the total funding.