President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law at the State House in Abuja, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.
The new legislation repeals and replaces the NIMC Act of 2007, establishing a modern legal and institutional framework aligned with global best practices, emerging technologies, and the needs of a rapidly evolving digital economy.
The signing ceremony was attended by key figures including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Ojo, NIMC Director-General Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, and World Bank Country Representative Taimur Samad.
Strengthening Digital Identity and SecurityThe NIMC Act 2026 positions the Commission as the central authority for Nigeria’s identity management system. It reinforces the National Identification Number (NIN) as the foundational identity credential under the “One Person, One Identity” principle, enabling seamless verification and authentication across government and private sector platforms.
A defining feature of the Act is the designation of NIMC as Nigeria’s Root Certification Authority for the National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). This empowers the Commission to provide secure digital identity, authentication, electronic trust services, digital signatures, certificates, and encryption frameworks.
Key Reforms in the NIMC Act 2026The legislation introduces several transformative provisions:
1.Robust Data Protection and Privacy: Stronger safeguards for personal data, aligned with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) and international standards.
2.Secure Interoperability: Facilitates seamless, secure data exchange among government agencies, financial institutions, and authorized entities.
3.General Multipurpose Card: Positions the NIMC card as a versatile credential under the theme “One Card, Multiple Possibilities.”
4.Inclusivity Measures: Special provisions for vulnerable and underserved populations, including those without permanent addresses, to ensure no one is left behind.
5.Anti-Fraud Measures: Stricter penalties for multiple registrations, identity theft, and impersonation.
6.Recognition of Digital Credentials: Formal acknowledgment of both physical and digital identity formats linked to the NIN.
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These reforms are expected to enhance cybersecurity, reduce identity-related fraud, improve public service delivery, boost financial and social inclusion, and support President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda toward a one-trillion-dollar economy.
Background and Significance
The 2007 Act had become outdated amid rapid digital advancements, e-commerce growth, cybersecurity challenges, and rising demands for data protection. An earlier version of the bill faced presidential withholding of assent in May 2026 over legal and drafting issues, prompting refinements that led to today’s successful passage.
NIMC Head of Corporate Communications Dr. Kayode Adegoke described the new Act as the most significant reform since the Commission’s establishment. He assured Nigerians of easier access to services, stronger data protection, faster verification, and citizen-centered implementation.
Stakeholders, including the National Assembly and development partners, have been commended for their contributions. Subsidiary regulations and guidelines will be issued to guide smooth rollout.
This landmark legislation is poised to provide Nigeria with a secure, inclusive, and digitally empowered identity foundation, critical for national security, economic growth, and efficient governance in the 21st century.
