Tinubu Signs NIMC Act 2026 into Law, Hails Digital Identity Reform

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, providing a stronger legal framework for Nigeria’s digital identity management system in a move expected to bolster national security, improve public service delivery and accelerate the country’s digital transformation.

The signing ceremony, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, today, was witnessed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, and the World Bank Country representative, Taimur Samad.

Speaking after the President assented to the bill, Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, described the legislation as a landmark achievement in the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms aimed at building a secure, reliable and integrated national identity management architecture.

According to him, the Act will deepen collaboration among government institutions, strengthen the integrity of the National Identification Number (NIN) ecosystem and enhance Nigeria’s capacity to combat terrorism, identity theft, cybercrime, financial crimes and other security challenges.

The minister disclosed that the integration of the NIMC database with immigration records and international security platforms has already begun to yield tangible results.

He revealed that seven suspected commanders of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were recently arrested at Katsina Airport upon their return from the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

Tunji-Ojo explained that the suspects were identified through the interconnected national identity system, noting that the NIMC database now interfaces with the Nigeria Immigration Service database as well as the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) on a round-the-clock basis.

“This was possible because the NIMC database is now connected with the immigration database and also interfaces with Interpol’s systems on a 24-hour basis,” the minister stated.

He recalled that before the current administration came into office, Nigeria’s identity management platforms operated independently, making effective verification of identities difficult.

“When President Tinubu assumed office, we had disconnected identity management systems. Today, you cannot obtain a Nigerian passport without verification through the NIMC database,” he said, adding that the reforms have significantly strengthened the country’s ability to verify identities while enhancing public confidence in government services.

Tunji-Ojo further noted that the new law will support efficient governance by enabling secure data sharing among authorised agencies, reducing identity fraud, improving planning and ensuring easier access by citizens to government programmes and essential services.

Also speaking, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended President Tinubu for signing the legislation, describing it as another major milestone in the administration’s digital governance agenda.

He observed that a credible and integrated national identity system is fundamental to national security, economic planning, social welfare administration and effective governance, stressing that the country is already witnessing the security benefits of harmonising identity databases across government institutions.

The NIMC Act 2026 is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s identity management framework by providing a comprehensive legal basis for digital identity administration, improving inter-agency cooperation, enhancing the credibility of the National Identification Number system and supporting the Federal Government’s broader digital economy and national security objectives.

The new legislation also follows improvements made to an earlier version of the bill after concerns raised by President Tinubu regarding legal drafting and operational provisions were addressed by the National Assembly before the final presidential assent.

Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, described the signing of the NIMC Act 2026 as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards a secure and digitally driven economy.

Kalu said the legislation would provide a stronger legal framework for identity management while guaranteeing the protection of citizens’ personal information through robust data privacy safeguards.

He noted that the law would enhance confidence in Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem by promoting transparency, accountability and trust in the management of citizens’ data.

The Deputy Speaker further stated that the Act would strengthen national security by enabling more efficient identity verification, improve coordination among government institutions and facilitate better planning and delivery of public services.

According to him, the new legal framework aligns with the Tinubu administration’s broader Renewed Hope Agenda of leveraging technology and innovation to improve governance, expand access to public services and drive economic growth.

Kalu commended President Bola Tinubu for assenting to the bill, saying the legislation would serve as a foundation for a more secure, inclusive and digitally connected Nigeria.