Tinubu Signs New NIMC Act Into Law, Overhauls Nigeria’s Digital Identity System

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, ushering in a new legal framework aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem, enhancing data protection and accelerating the country’s digital transformation agenda.

The President assented to the legislation on Friday at the State House, Abuja.

His Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the development in a statement posted on X, announcing that the President had signed the new law, which replaces the National Identity Management Commission Act of 2007.

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) described the legislation as a landmark reform that modernises Nigeria’s identity management system and aligns it with global best practices, emerging technologies and the demands of an increasingly digital economy.

According to the Commission, the new Act repeals the 2007 law and establishes a forward-looking legal framework designed to support secure digital identity management, electronic authentication and trusted digital services across both government and private sector platforms.

One of the major innovations introduced by the legislation is the designation of NIMC as Nigeria’s Root Certification Authority for the country’s National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).

The Commission said the new role positions it as the nation’s trusted authority for secure digital identity, authentication and electronic trust services, while providing the legal foundation for seamless and secure data exchange across public and private institutions.

NIMC said the reform aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by promoting digital transformation, strengthening national security, expanding financial and social inclusion, improving public service delivery and supporting Nigeria’s ambition of building a one-trillion-dollar economy.

The Commission explained that the new Act responds to the rapid growth of digital services and evolving cybersecurity threats by modernising the country’s identity management framework, strengthening digital trust and enhancing the protection of citizens personal information.

It also reinforces NIMC’s statutory responsibility for managing Nigeria’s national identity system, strengthens the principle of “one person, one identity,” and further establishes the National Identification Number (NIN) as the foundation for identity verification and authentication across multiple platforms.

Beyond identity management, the law expands the Commission’s mandate by placing it at the centre of Nigeria’s digital trust architecture through responsibility for the country’s National Public Key Infrastructure and Digital Public Infrastructure.

According to NIMC, other major provisions of the legislation include stronger safeguards for data protection and privacy, enhanced cybersecurity measures, secure digital identity interoperability, the introduction of a general multipurpose identity card, greater inclusivity for vulnerable groups and tougher anti-fraud mechanisms.

The Commission said implementation of the Act will create a secure and interoperable digital identity ecosystem that enables Nigerians to access services more efficiently while improving confidence in digital transactions.

It added that Nigerians, including those living in the diaspora, should expect easier access to identity services, stronger protection of personal data, faster identity verification, improved authentication systems and more secure electronic transactions.

NIMC further stated that the legislation provides the legal foundation for trusted digital identity services, secure information sharing across government and private organisations, enhanced cybersecurity and expanded access to essential public services.

According to the Commission, the reform represents a significant step toward building a secure digital economy capable of driving innovation, improving governance and supporting sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.