President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday, June 26, 2026, signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act, 2026 into law, replacing the identity management framework that had been in force since 2007 and ushering in sweeping reforms to Nigeria’s digital identity system.
The new law strengthens the legal foundation for the National Identification Number (NIN), enhances identity verification, improves public service delivery and cybersecurity, and supports national security and the country’s digital economy.
The assent followed revisions to the bill by the National Assembly after an earlier version was returned for legislative corrections.
Speaking after the signing ceremony at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the legislation as a landmark reform that would improve governance, infrastructure planning, immigration management and security through a more reliable national identity system.
He said the National Assembly subjected the bill to extensive scrutiny, including public hearings and reviews of international best practices, before its passage.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the Act provides the legal framework for harmonizing identity records, integrating government databases, enabling interoperability across public institutions and strengthening secure digital authentication.
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He described the legislation as a key pillar of Nigeria’s future security architecture and digital governance.
NIMC Director-General, Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, said the Act replaces an outdated legal framework with a modern structure for Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure.
She said the legislation reinforces the NIN as the country’s trusted digital identity credential, introduces stronger safeguards for personal data, cybersecurity, encryption and digital signatures, and gives legal backing to the National Public Key Infrastructure.
According to her, the law also empowers NIMC to serve as the Federal Government’s Root Certificate Authority, enabling Ministries, Departments and Agencies to issue trusted digital certificates, authenticate official documents and eliminate duplication of identity systems.
Coker-Odusote said the reforms would expand access to legal identity, promote financial and social inclusion, strengthen confidence in digital transactions and support the Federal Government’s goal of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
She pledged that the Commission would implement the Act with transparency, professionalism and strict compliance with data protection standards to deliver a secure, efficient and inclusive digital identity system.