Smile ID Unveils Nigeria's First Ever Comprehensive eKYC Report

At Smile ID, we’ve been privileged to witness the transformative power of identity verification in Nigeria. Today, we’re proud to unveil the 2024 Nigeria eKYC Report—a first-of-its-kind analysis that highlights the transformative strides Nigeria has made in digital identity verification.

This report tells the story of a country embracing innovation to solve real challenges. It dives into the rise of biometric and NIN-based verifications, showcasing how these advancements are paving the way for more secure, inclusive, and reliable systems for businesses and individuals alike.

Why the 2024 Nigeria eKYC Report Matters

Nigeria is setting new benchmarks in Africa’s digital transformation, and its leadership in identity verification is proof. The 2024 Nigeria eKYC Report dives into how advancements in biometric and NIN-based verifications are creating a secure, inclusive digital economy.

Here’s what you’ll discover in the report:

• Biometric Verification Growth: Over the past two years, biometric-based verifications in Nigeria grew by 100%, highlighting their role in preventing fraud and securing digital transactions.
• NIN-Based Verifications Up 80%: The adoption of NIN as the preferred ID for verification surged by 80%, cementing its status as the backbone of Nigeria’s eKYC framework.
• 98% NIN Database Uptime: A standout feature of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, ensuring reliable identity verification at scale.

And more…

These findings demonstrate how Nigeria’s progress is shaping a new standard for trust and security in digital identity.

“Our rapid growth from 100 million to 200 million verifications in less than a year underscores the increasing demand for secure and reliable identity verification across industries,” said Shile Owoka, Executive Director at Smile ID. “Our latest eKYC report highlights the pivotal role of biometric and NIN-based verifications in fostering trust, driving financial inclusion, and enabling business growth.

“Nigeria's advancements in digital identity verification showcase the transformative impact of inclusive and innovative solutions. Our eKYC report highlights the growing trust in biometric and NIN-based verifications, empowering businesses to scale securely and efficiently. At Smile ID, we’re dedicated to sustaining this progress by delivering reliable, user-centric solutions that simplify KYC processes and unlock growth opportunities across different industries.” Peace Itimi, Director of Marketing at Smile ID added. 

Celebrating 200 Million Verifications

As we launch this report, we’re also celebrating a historic milestone: completing 200 million identity verification checks across Africa.

This achievement reflects not just the adoption of secure, user-centric solutions but also the growing reliance on robust identity systems to reduce fraud, improve onboarding, and build trust.

What’s Next for Nigeria’s Digital Identity Ecosystem?

The report also explores trends that are shaping the future of eKYC in Nigeria:

• Regulatory Innovation: Initiatives like the NIMC Self-Modification service are improving data accuracy and user convenience by enabling seamless updates to NIN details.
• AI-Powered Tools: Cutting-edge technologies, such as our facial verification system, are detecting fraud attempts while ensuring smooth user experiences.
• Broader Financial Inclusion: With over 110 million NIN registrations, more Nigerians can now access critical financial and digital services, driving economic growth.

As Nigeria continues to strengthen its digital infrastructure, the report offers actionable insights for businesses to navigate this evolving landscape.

Download the 2024 Nigeria eKYC Report

Looking to implement secure identity verification in Nigeria or expand across Africa?
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