President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, marking a major reform of Nigeria’s identity management system.
The signing took place on Friday at the State House, according to a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga. The new law repeals and replaces the NIMC Act of 2007 and is aimed at modernising the country’s identity framework to match global digital standards and emerging technologies.
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) described the development as a significant step toward building a secure, inclusive, and digitally driven economy. It explained that the Act introduces stronger protections for data privacy, enhances cybersecurity, and strengthens digital trust systems across both public and private sectors.
A key provision of the new law is the designation of NIMC as the Root Certification Authority for Nigeria’s National Public Key Infrastructure and Digital Public Infrastructure. This gives the Commission a central role in overseeing secure digital identity verification, authentication, and electronic trust services nationwide.
The Act also empowers NIMC to ensure seamless and secure data exchange among institutions, supporting a more connected and interoperable digital system. Authorities said the reform aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by boosting digital transformation, improving service delivery, strengthening national security, and promoting financial inclusion.
It further reinforces the use of the National Identification Number (NIN) as a core identity tool and strengthens the “one person, one identity” principle in Nigeria’s identification system. The law also expands NIMC’s responsibilities in managing digital infrastructure that supports secure transactions and online services.
According to the Commission, the Act introduces additional measures such as improved data protection, stronger cybersecurity systems, enhanced identity verification, a multipurpose identity card system, inclusion of vulnerable groups, and tougher anti-fraud controls.
Tinubu Signs NIMC Act 2026 Into Law
