By Peace Udugba
President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, introducing a comprehensive legal framework aimed at modernising Nigeria’s identity management system, strengthening data protection, and accelerating the country’s digital transformation.
Announcing the signing on Friday, the President described the legislation as a landmark reform that replaces the nearly two-decade-old law governing Nigeria’s identity system with a secure, technology-driven framework designed to support the nation’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.
Tinubu said the new Act designates the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) as the Root Certification Authority for Nigeria’s National Public Key Infrastructure and Digital Public Infrastructure, making it the central authority for trusted digital identities, electronic signatures and secure digital transactions.
“This new Act gives our nation a modern, secure and digital identity framework fit for the Nigeria we are building,” the President said, noting that the reform positions Nigeria among countries with advanced digital economies.
The President stressed that the legislation strengthens the protection of citizens’ personal data by aligning Nigeria’s identity management framework with the Nigerian Data Protection Act. He explained that personal information can only be accessed with the owner’s consent, used solely for the purpose for which it was provided, or obtained through lawful means where necessary.
“I will not allow the data of Nigerians to be treated carelessly. This is your right as a Nigerian, and this law protects it,” he said.
Under the new law, the National Identification Number (NIN) becomes mandatory for accessing a wide range of public and private services, including passport applications, voter registration, banking, land transactions, telecommunications, pensions, insurance, tax payments, consumer credit facilities and government services.
Tinubu also announced the introduction of a General Multipurpose Card, which will serve as a single identity credential for verification across multiple sectors.
According to the President, the legislation promotes inclusivity by establishing a dedicated identification system for vulnerable persons, including individuals without permanent residences, while requiring special measures to ensure underserved populations are captured in the national identity database.
The Act also expands access to identity services for Nigerians in the diaspora, enabling them to obtain identity-related services more conveniently from anywhere in the world.
As part of governance reforms, the Act reconstitutes the NIMC Governing Board to include representatives from 14 strategic government institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), National Population Commission (NPC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Department of State Services (DSS), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Office of the National Security Adviser, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Pension Commission (PenCom), the Chief of Defence Staff and the National Registration Service (NRS).
The law also introduces minimum qualification requirements for the commission’s leadership, stipulating at least 15 years of relevant experience for the chairman and 10 years for commissioners, while ensuring representation from all six geopolitical zones.
Warning against identity-related crimes, Tinubu said the government would enforce a zero-tolerance policy against offences such as identity theft, multiple registration, impersonation and unauthorised access to personal data.
Under the Act, corporate offenders face fines of up to ₦20 million, while individuals convicted of offences including identity theft, multiple registration and impersonation risk a minimum prison sentence of five years.
The President added that the Commission has been empowered, with court authorisation, to investigate offences, conduct searches, seize evidence, decrypt relevant data and arrest suspects.
“There will be no tolerance for those who forge identities, register multiple times or steal the identities of others,” Tinubu declared.
He commended the leadership of the National Assembly, including the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Joint Committee on Identity and National Population Commission, for their role in the passage of the legislation.
Tinubu also acknowledged the Minister of Interior, development partners such as Identity for Development (ID4D), the management and staff of NIMC, as well as Nigerians, for supporting what he described as a historic reform.
According to the President, the enactment of the NIMC Act 2026 underscores his administration’s commitment to building a more secure, inclusive and prosperous Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
