President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday announced that he has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, describing it as a landmark legislation that will modernise Nigeria’s digital identity system, strengthen data protection and support the country’s digital economy.
The President said the new law replaces a legal framework that had governed Nigeria’s identity management system for nearly two decades, arguing that it was no longer adequate for the country’s evolving digital landscape.
“I have signed the NIMC Act 2026 into law,” Tinubu said in a statement released on Friday.
“For nearly twenty years, Nigeria’s identity system operated under a law written for a different era. That era is over.”
According to the President, the new Act establishes “a modern, secure, inclusive and digital identity framework” capable of supporting Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy.
Tinubu said the legislation places 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 and digital signatures.
“With this law, NIMC is now positioned at the heart of Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure and National Public Key Infrastructure, providing the trust foundation for verified identities, secure transactions, digital signatures and the wider digital economy,” he stated.
The President also said the Act introduces stronger safeguards for the protection of citizens’ personal data, stressing that information belonging to Nigerians must not be accessed indiscriminately or used without consent and due legal process.
“The Act also strengthens the protection of citizens’ data. Personal information cannot be accessed carelessly, used outside its original purpose, or treated without regard for consent and due legal process. The privacy of Nigerians must be protected, and this law makes that clear,” he said.
Tinubu explained that under the new law, the National Identification Number (NIN) will serve as the primary gateway for accessing a wide range of public and private sector services.
These include passport applications, voter registration, bank account opening, land transactions, telecommunications services, pensions, insurance, tax payments, consumer credit and other government services.
“One person. One identity. One number,” the President declared.
He noted that he specifically directed that the legislation should guarantee access to identity services for vulnerable groups, underserved communities and Nigerians living in the Diaspora.
“I gave specific instructions that this law must also protect the vulnerable, the underserved, and Nigerians in the Diaspora. No Nigerian should be locked out of opportunity because they lack a trusted identity,” Tinubu said.
The President added that the new Act strengthens governance within the National Identity Management Commission by expanding representation on its governing board, improving accountability mechanisms and prescribing stiffer penalties for identity theft, multiple registration, unauthorised access and abuse of the national identity system.
“We will not tolerate those who forge identities, steal the identities of others, or exploit the system,” he warned.
Tinubu commended the National Assembly, the Minister of Interior, the National Identity Management Commission, development partners and Nigerians for their contributions towards the passage of the legislation.
“Together, we are building a more secure, inclusive and prosperous Nigeria. This is the Renewed Hope Agenda at work,” the President stated.