By Ayomide Otitoju
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, introducing a new legal framework aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity system and accelerating the country’s digital transformation.
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the development in a statement on Friday, confirming that the Act was assented to at the State House.
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) described the legislation as a landmark reform that repeals and replaces the NIMC Act of 2007, establishing a modern legal framework aligned with global best practices, emerging technologies and the demands of the digital economy.
According to the Commission, a key provision of the new law designates NIMC as the Root Certification Authority for Nigeria’s National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), positioning it as the nation’s trusted authority for secure digital identity, authentication and electronic trust services across public and private sector platforms.
The Act also empowers the Commission to facilitate secure, interoperable and seamless data exchange among government institutions and private organisations, providing the legal and institutional foundation for a trusted digital economy.
NIMC said the legislation supports President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by promoting digital transformation, strengthening national security, expanding financial and social inclusion, improving public service delivery and supporting the development of a secure Digital Public Infrastructure capable of driving innovation and economic growth.
The Commission noted that the Act modernises Nigeria’s identity management framework in response to the rapid expansion of digital services and evolving cybersecurity threats. It also strengthens digital trust, enhances the protection of citizens’ personal data and positions Nigeria to take advantage of opportunities in the global digital economy.
Under the new law, NIMC retains its role as the statutory authority responsible for Nigeria’s national identity system, reinforces the principle of “one person, one identity,” strengthens the National Identification Number (NIN) framework and enables seamless identity verification across government and private-sector platforms.
Other key provisions include enhanced data protection and privacy safeguards, stronger cybersecurity measures, expanded digital identity interoperability, the introduction of a general multipurpose identity card, improved inclusion for vulnerable groups and tougher anti-fraud mechanisms.
The Commission said implementation of the Act is expected to provide Nigerians, including those in the diaspora, with easier access to identity services, stronger protection of personal information, faster and more secure identity verification and increased confidence in digital transactions.
NIMC added that the legislation lays a stronger legal foundation for Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure by enabling trusted digital identity services, secure data exchange and broader access to essential public and private sector services, while supporting the Federal Government’s vision of building a one-trillion-dollar economy.
