Source: Africa Publicity
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, replacing the 2007 legislation with a new legal framework aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity system, cybersecurity, data protection and national security.
The President announced the signing in a statement shared on his official Facebook page on Friday, describing the new law as a significant milestone in the country’s digital transformation.
“I have signed the NIMC Act 2026 into law,” Tinubu said.
He noted that the previous law had become outdated, saying, “For nearly twenty years, Nigeria’s identity system operated under a law written for a different era. That era is over.”
According to the President, the legislation establishes “a modern, secure, inclusive and digital identity framework fit for the Nigeria we are building; a Nigeria on the path to becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy.”
Tinubu said the Act positions the National Identity Management Commission at the centre of Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure and National Public Key Infrastructure, providing “the trust foundation for verified identities, secure transactions, digital signatures and the wider digital economy.”
The President also highlighted stronger safeguards for citizens’ personal information under the new law.
“The Act also strengthens the protection of citizens’ data. Personal information cannot be accessed carelessly, used outside its original purpose, or treated without regard for consent and due legal process. The privacy of Nigerians must be protected, and this law makes that clear,” he said.
He explained that the National Identification Number (NIN) would now play a more central role in accessing essential public and private services.
“Your National Identification Number will now serve as a stronger gateway to critical services, including passports, voter registration, bank accounts, land transactions, telecommunications, pensions, insurance, tax payments, consumer credit and government services.”
Emphasising the importance of a unified identity system, Tinubu declared: “One person. One identity. One number.”
The President said he had directed that the law must ensure inclusion for all Nigerians.
“I gave specific instructions that this law must also protect the vulnerable, the underserved, and Nigerians in the Diaspora. No Nigerian should be locked out of opportunity because they lack a trusted identity.”
He added that the Act enhances governance within NIMC, broadens representation on its board, strengthens accountability and prescribes stiffer penalties for identity-related offences.
“We will not tolerate those who forge identities, steal the identities of others, or exploit the system,” Tinubu warned.
The President commended the National Assembly, the Minister of Interior, NIMC, development partners and Nigerians for their contributions to the passage of the legislation.
“I commend the National Assembly, the Honourable Minister of Interior, NIMC, our development partners, and all Nigerians whose support helped deliver this landmark legislation.”
He expressed optimism that the law would support the country’s broader development goals.
“Together, we are building a more secure, inclusive and prosperous Nigeria.
“This is the Renewed Hope Agenda at work.”
