Tinubu Signs NIMC Act 2026 into Law, Strengthens Nigeria’s Digital Identity Framework
Oru Leonard
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, ushering in a new legal framework aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem, enhancing cybersecurity and accelerating the country’s digital transformation.
The landmark legislation repeals the NIMC Act of 2007 and introduces a modern framework designed to align Nigeria’s identity management system with global best practices, emerging technologies and the demands of a rapidly evolving digital economy.
A major provision of the new law designates the National Identity Management Commission (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 trusted digital identity, authentication, encryption, digital signatures and other electronic trust services across government and private-sector platforms.
The Act also gives NIMC the authority to facilitate secure, interoperable and seamless exchange of identity data among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), financial institutions and authorised private organisations, laying the foundation for a trusted digital economy.
According to the Commission, the legislation supports President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by promoting digital transformation, improving public service delivery, strengthening national security, expanding financial inclusion and creating the digital infrastructure needed to support Nigeria’s ambition of building a one-trillion-dollar economy.
The new law reinforces the National Identification Number (NIN) as Nigeria’s foundational identity credential under the “One Person, One Identity” principle, while recognising both physical and digital identity credentials linked to the NIN.
Among its key innovations are stronger data protection measures aligned with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), enhanced safeguards against identity theft and multiple registrations, improved interoperability across institutions, and the introduction of special identity measures for vulnerable and underserved populations, including persons without permanent residences.
The legislation also positions the NIMC General Multipurpose Card as a nationwide identity credential under the theme, “One Card, Multiple Possibilities.”
NIMC said Nigerians should expect easier access to identity services, including for citizens in the diaspora, stronger protection of personal information, faster and more secure identity verification, improved cybersecurity, reduced identity fraud and more efficient delivery of government and private-sector services.
The Commission assured Nigerians that implementation of the Act would be guided by transparency, professionalism, innovation and citizen-centred service delivery, while protecting personal data and strengthening public trust.
NIMC expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for signing the legislation into law, describing it as the most significant reform of Nigeria’s identity management framework since the Commission’s establishment.
The Commission also commended the leadership and members of the National Assembly, the Honourable Minister of the Interior, development partners, stakeholders, management and staff of NIMC, and Nigerians for their contributions to the successful passage of the legislation.
NIMC said it would subsequently issue regulations and operational guidelines to facilitate the implementation of the Act and ensure a smooth transition to the new legal framework.
