Announcing the development, President Tinubu said the previous National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) law had governed Nigeria’s identity system for nearly two decades and no longer reflected the country’s evolving digital needs.
According to the President, the NIMC Act 2026 establishes a modern, secure, inclusive, and technology-driven identity framework that supports Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy.
Under the new legislation, NIMC will serve as the foundation of Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure and National Public Key Infrastructure, enabling verified identities, secure digital transactions, digital signatures, and broader digital services across the country.
The President stated that the law also strengthens the protection of citizens’ personal data by ensuring that personal information cannot be accessed, processed, or shared without proper consent or legal authorization.
He emphasized that safeguarding the privacy of Nigerians remains a key objective of the new Act.
Tinubu explained that the National Identification Number (NIN) will now play a more significant role in accessing essential public and private services, including passport applications, voter registration, bank account opening, land transactions, telecommunications services, pensions, insurance, tax payments, consumer credit, and various government services.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to the principle of “One Person. One Identity. One Number,” describing it as a critical step toward building a trusted national identity ecosystem.
The President also disclosed that he directed that the legislation should promote inclusion by ensuring that vulnerable groups, underserved communities, and Nigerians living in the diaspora are not excluded from obtaining trusted digital identities and accessing essential services.
The new law further introduces reforms aimed at strengthening governance within NIMC by expanding representation on its governing board, improving institutional accountability, and imposing tougher penalties for identity theft, multiple registrations, unauthorized access to identity records, and other forms of abuse of the identity management system.
President Tinubu warned that the government would not tolerate identity fraud or any attempt to exploit Nigeria’s digital identity infrastructure.
He commended the National Assembly, the Minister of Interior, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), development partners, and Nigerians for their contributions toward the successful passage of the legislation.
According to the President, the NIMC Act 2026 represents another milestone under the Renewed Hope Agenda and is expected to strengthen security, promote financial inclusion, expand access to public services, and support Nigeria’s long-term digital transformation.
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