Tinubu Signs NIMC Act 2026 into Law, Repeals 2007 Identity Framework

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, introducing a comprehensive legal framework designed to strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity system, enhance cybersecurity and drive the country’s digital economy.
The new legislation repeals the NIMC Act of 2007, replacing it with a modern framework that aligns Nigeria’s identity management system with global best practices, emerging technologies and the growing demands of the digital age.
According to a statement issued by the Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, Dr. Kayode Adegoke, one of the landmark provisions of the Act is the designation of the Commission as Nigeria’s Root Certification Authority for the National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). This positions NIMC as the trusted national authority for secure digital identity, authentication and electronic trust services across both public and private digital platforms.
The Act also empowers the Commission to facilitate secure, seamless and interoperable data exchange among government institutions and private organisations, providing the legal foundation for a trusted digital economy.
NIMC said the legislation supports President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by accelerating digital transformation, strengthening national security, expanding financial and social inclusion, improving public service delivery and fostering innovation needed to achieve Nigeria’s ambition of building a one-trillion-dollar economy.
The Commission explained that the previous law had become outdated and was no longer adequate to address modern challenges such as electronic commerce, data protection and cybersecurity. The new Act, it said, modernises the country’s identity management framework while reinforcing public confidence in digital services.
Among its key provisions are stronger safeguards for personal data, legal recognition of both physical and digital identity credentials linked to the National Identification Number (NIN), the introduction of a General Multipurpose Card for identity verification, special identity measures for vulnerable groups, and tougher penalties for identity theft, impersonation and multiple registrations. It also reinforces the principle of “One Person, One Identity” as the foundation of Nigeria’s identity management system.
NIMC said implementation of the law will improve access to identity services for Nigerians both at home and abroad, strengthen cybersecurity, simplify identity verification, enhance interoperability among institutions, reduce identity-related fraud and promote ease of doing business.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the Act with transparency, professionalism and inclusivity while ensuring the protection of citizens’ personal data. It also commended President Tinubu, the National Assembly, the Minister of Interior, development partners and other stakeholders for their contributions to the successful passage of the legislation.