By Gabriel Ameh
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, replacing the 2007 legislation and introducing sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem.
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) described the legislation as a landmark reform that will modernise identity management, improve cybersecurity, enhance data protection, and accelerate the country’s digital transformation agenda.
A major provision of the new law designates NIMC as Nigeria’s Root Certification Authority for the National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). This places the Commission at the centre of secure digital identity verification, electronic authentication, digital signatures and trusted online transactions across both government and private sector platforms.
According to the Commission, the new legal framework aligns Nigeria’s identity management system with international best practices and emerging technologies while supporting the Federal Government’s goal of building a secure digital economy.
Why the New Law Matters
NIMC explained that the previous Act, enacted in 2007, no longer reflected the realities of today’s digital economy, where electronic commerce, online government services, cybersecurity and data protection have become increasingly important.
The Commission said the new Act provides a stronger legal foundation for secure identity management while addressing emerging digital security challenges.
Major Reforms Introduced
Among the key provisions of the new law are:
Stronger protection of citizens’ personal data in line with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA).
Recognition of the National Identification Number (NIN) as Nigeria’s primary identity credential.
Establishment of a secure National Public Key Infrastructure for digital authentication and encrypted online services.
Improved interoperability that enables secure data sharing among government agencies, financial institutions and authorised private organisations.
Formal recognition of both physical and digital identity credentials linked to an individual’s NIN.
Introduction of stronger penalties against identity theft, impersonation and multiple registrations.
Special identity measures designed to improve enrolment for vulnerable and underserved populations.
Promotion of the NIMC General Multipurpose Card as a nationwide identity credential under the initiative, “One Card, Multiple Possibilities.”
Benefits for Nigerians
The Commission said Nigerians should expect easier access to identity services, stronger protection of personal information, improved cybersecurity, faster identity verification processes and wider digital inclusion.
It also noted that the law will facilitate secure digital transactions, improve public service delivery, strengthen financial inclusion and create a trusted digital infrastructure capable of supporting innovation and economic growth.
NIMC Commends Tinubu
NIMC praised President Tinubu for signing the legislation, describing the move as one of the most significant reforms of Nigeria’s identity management framework since the Commission was established.
The Commission also acknowledged the National Assembly, the Ministry of Interior, development partners and other stakeholders for supporting the passage of the legislation.
According to NIMC, regulations and implementation guidelines will be issued in due course to ensure a smooth transition to the new legal framework while maintaining transparency, data protection and citizen-centred service delivery.
