President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, introducing a new legal framework aimed at modernising Nigeria’s digital identity system and accelerating the country’s digital transformation.
The President assented to the legislation at the State House on Friday.
His Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the development in a brief statement shared on X.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assented to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 in the State House on Friday,” Onanuga wrote.
The National Identity Management Commission also announced the signing of the legislation, describing it as a landmark achievement that will strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem and position the country for a more secure and inclusive digital future.
According to the commission, the new law repeals the National Identity Management Commission Act of 2007 and replaces it with an updated legal framework that reflects current global standards, emerging technologies and the demands of an increasingly digital economy.
A major highlight of the legislation is the designation of NIMC as Nigeria’s Root Certification Authority for the National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
The commission explained that this responsibility establishes NIMC as the country’s trusted authority for secure digital identity, electronic authentication and trust services across both government institutions and private-sector platforms.
“The Act further empowers NIMC to ensure secure, interoperable, and seamless data exchange among all public and private entities, laying the legal and institutional foundation for a trusted digital economy,” the commission stated.
It noted that the legislation aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by promoting digital transformation, improving national security, expanding financial and social inclusion, enhancing public service delivery and supporting the administration’s ambition of building a one-trillion-dollar economy.
Key Reforms Introduced
The commission said the Act updates Nigeria’s identity management framework to address the rapid expansion of digital services while strengthening data protection, cybersecurity and digital trust.
Among its major provisions is the reinforcement of NIMC’s position as the statutory agency responsible for managing the country’s national identity system.
The legislation also reinforces the principle of “one person, one identity” by strengthening the role of the National Identification Number (NIN) as the primary means of identity verification across Nigeria.
The commission added that the law formally integrates NIMC into Nigeria’s digital trust architecture by assigning it responsibility for managing both the National Public Key Infrastructure and the Digital Public Infrastructure.
Other significant provisions include enhanced data privacy and protection measures, improved cybersecurity standards, secure digital identity authentication, stronger interoperability among government and private-sector databases, support for a general multipurpose identity card, provisions to accommodate vulnerable groups and tougher measures to combat identity fraud.
Benefits for Nigerians
According to NIMC, implementation of the new Act will create a secure and interoperable identity ecosystem capable of supporting digital services across multiple sectors.
The commission said Nigerians should expect easier access to identity services, including for citizens living abroad, stronger protection of personal information, improved cybersecurity and safer digital transactions.
It also noted that the legislation would make identity verification and authentication faster, more efficient and more reliable.
“Through this landmark Act, President Tinubu has strengthened the legal foundation for Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure by designating NIMC as the Root Certification Authority for the National Public Key Infrastructure and Digital Public Infrastructure,” the commission stated.
It added that the reform would strengthen citizens’ data protection, improve cybersecurity, establish trusted digital authentication services, facilitate secure data exchange between public and private institutions, broaden access to essential services and contribute to Nigeria’s long-term economic development goals.
