Nigeria: Woman recounts biometric struggles due to lack of fingerprints

A Nigerian woman born without fingerprints has shared her experiences regarding the significant challenges posed by biometric identification systems in the country. She reported difficulties navigating essential processes, including registration for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, and various banking transactions.

During her initial JAMB registration in 2017, she described spending an entire day at a registration centre after officials were unable to capture her fingerprints. She noted that officials suggested various methods to make her prints readable, such as using sand, chalk, methylated spirit, or watermelon, and recounted having to scrub her hands on a stone to complete the process.

The woman stated that the inability to authenticate her identity through biometrics has caused persistent anxiety and frustration in her daily life, affecting her ability to access services and complete official requirements.