President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, repealing and replacing the outdated 2007 legislation. The landmark signing ceremony took place on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the State House, Abuja.
The new Act modernizes Nigeria’s identity management framework, positioning the NIMC as the central regulator and digital identity authority. It strengthens the legal foundation for a secure, inclusive, and interoperable national identity system, reinforcing the “One Person, One Identity” policy while enhancing national security, public service delivery, and the digital economy.
Speaking during the signing, President Tinubu emphasized the Act’s critical role in advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda. He highlighted how a robust identity system will improve governance efficiency, reduce fraud, facilitate financial inclusion, and support targeted social interventions.
The Minister of Interior noted that the enhanced NIMC database has already proven instrumental in security operations, including the arrest of terrorists and other criminal elements through accurate identity verification.
Key provisions of the NIMC Act 2026 include: Expanded powers for the NIMC to regulate the digital identity ecosystem. Strengthened data protection, cybersecurity, and interoperability with other government systems. Improved mechanisms for enrollment, verification, and issuance of National Identification Numbers (NIN) and associated credentials. Legal backing for broader integration across public and private sectors.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Prince Lateef Fagbemi, and other senior officials witnessed the signing.
The Director-General of the NIMC, Dr. [Name], welcomed the new law as a significant milestone that will accelerate the commission’s mandate and deliver greater value to all Nigerians.
President Tinubu’s administration remains committed to leveraging technology for good governance, economic growth, and enhanced security. The signing of the NIMC Act 2026 represents another decisive step toward building a more efficient, transparent, and prosperous Nigeria.