Tinubu signs new NIMC Act 2026 into law 

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act, 2026 into law, ushering in a new legal framework aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s identity management system, boosting national security and accelerating the country’s digital transformation.

The signing ceremony, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, 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), Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, representatives of the National Assembly and development partners.

Speaking after the presidential assent, the Minister of Interior disclosed that the integration of Nigeria’s identity databases had already delivered significant security gains, including the recent arrest of seven suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders attempting to re-enter the country after participating in the Hajj pilgrimage.

According to Tunji-Ojo, the suspects were intercepted at Katsina Airport and handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS), a breakthrough he attributed to the successful integration of the NIMC database with the Nigeria Immigration Service and international security platforms.

He said the arrests demonstrated the practical value of the reforms initiated by the Tinubu administration to eliminate fragmented identity management systems that previously hampered security operations.

“When this administration came into office, our identity management architecture was fragmented. Today, obtaining a Nigerian passport is directly linked to the National Identity Number database, while immigration records now communicate seamlessly with NIMC and Interpol’s global security platform.

“It was through this integrated system that seven known commanders of Boko Haram and ISWAP returning from Mecca were identified, arrested at Katsina Airport and transferred to the DSS,” the minister said.

Tunji-Ojo described the new law as a landmark reform that would accelerate the harmonisation of identity databases across government institutions, strengthen the integrity of the National Identity Number (NIN), improve inter-agency collaboration and enhance Nigeria’s capacity to combat terrorism, identity theft, financial crimes and other transnational security threats.

Senate President Akpabio described the presidential assent as another milestone in the administration’s reform agenda, noting that the legislation reflects the National Assembly’s commitment to providing modern legal frameworks capable of addressing emerging national security and development challenges.

He expressed confidence that the Act would deepen public trust in Nigeria’s identity management system and support the government’s broader digital transformation agenda.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu also hailed the legislation, describing it as a transformative law that replaces the outdated 2007 NIMC Act and provides a modern framework for identity management in line with current technological realities.

According to him, the legislation will strengthen governance, improve accountability and promote efficient service delivery by providing Nigerians with a more credible and secure digital identity system.

On her part, NIMC Director-General Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote said the new Act represents a major turning point in Nigeria’s digital identity journey after nearly two decades under an outdated legal framework.

She said the legislation establishes a modern legal foundation for trusted digital identity, reinforces the National Identification Number as the country’s primary identity credential and expands opportunities for seamless access to government and private-sector services.

Coker-Odusote pledged the Commission’s commitment to working with relevant government agencies, development partners and the private sector to ensure the successful implementation of the Act and the delivery of a world-class digital identity ecosystem for Nigerians.

The National Identity Management Commission Act, 2026, is expected to serve as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s digital public infrastructure by strengthening identity verification, supporting national security operations, improving public service delivery and promoting greater financial and digital inclusion across the country.