Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, describing the legislation as a landmark reform that will modernise Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem, strengthen data protection, and enhance citizens’ access to essential public and private services.
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Announcing the development on his verified Facebook page, President Tinubu said the new law replaces an outdated legal framework that had governed Nigeria’s identity management system for nearly two decades.
According to the President, the Act establishes a modern, secure and inclusive digital identity framework designed to support Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy.
“For nearly twenty years, Nigeria’s identity system operated under a law written for a different era. That era is over,” President Tinubu stated.
The President explained that the legislation positions the National Identity Management Commission at the centre of Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure and National Public Key Infrastructure, providing the foundation for verified identities, secure digital transactions, electronic signatures and broader participation in the digital economy.
Tinubu also stressed that the Act significantly strengthens the protection of citizens’ personal data by ensuring that information cannot be accessed indiscriminately or used beyond its intended purpose without consent and due legal process.
“The privacy of Nigerians must be protected, and this law makes that clear,” he said.
Under the new legal framework, the National Identification Number (NIN) will serve as the primary gateway for accessing a wide range of services, including passport applications, voter registration, banking, land transactions, telecommunications, pensions, insurance, tax administration, consumer credit and various government services.
The President summarised the objective of the reform with the phrase:
“One person. One identity. One number.”
President Tinubu further disclosed that he specifically directed that the legislation must guarantee inclusion for vulnerable groups, underserved communities and Nigerians living in the Diaspora.
“No Nigerian should be locked out of opportunity because they lack a trusted identity,” he said.
Beyond expanding access, the Act introduces stronger governance measures within the National Identity Management Commission by broadening representation on its governing board, improving accountability mechanisms and prescribing stiffer penalties for identity theft, multiple registrations, unauthorised access and other forms of abuse of the identity management system.
The President warned that his administration would not tolerate individuals who engage in identity fraud or attempt to exploit the nation’s digital identity infrastructure.
“We will not tolerate those who forge identities, steal the identities of others, or exploit the system,” he declared.
President Tinubu commended the National Assembly, the Minister of Interior, the National Identity Management Commission, development partners and Nigerians for their contributions toward the successful passage of the legislation.
Describing the law as another milestone under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the President expressed confidence that the reforms would contribute to building a more secure, inclusive and prosperous Nigeria.
The NIMC Act 2026 is expected to strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s digital governance architecture while promoting secure identity verification, expanding financial inclusion and improving the delivery of public services across the country.
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