Tinubu signs new NIMC Act to strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity system

President Bola Tinubu has signed the 2026 National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act into law, paving the way for a more secure, inclusive and digitally driven identity management system in Nigeria.

According to him, the Act designates NIMC as the Root Certification Authority for Nigeria’s National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), positioning the Commission as the country’s trusted authority for secure digital identity, authentication and electronic trust services.

He said the reform directly advances President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by accelerating digital transformation, strengthening national security, expanding financial and social inclusion, improving public service delivery and supporting the development of a secure Digital Public Infrastructure capable of driving innovation, economic growth and Nigeria’s aspiration of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy.

Adegoke who highlighted the gains of the Act said the Act 2026 responds to current realities by modernising Nigeria’s identity management framework, strengthening digital trust, protecting citizens’ personal data, enhancing cybersecurity and positioning the country to fully harness the opportunities presented by the global digital economy.

“The Act strengthens NIMC’s role as the statutory authority responsible for the national identity management system in Nigeria. It firmly establishes the National Identification Number (NIN) as the country’s foundational identity credential, reinforces the principle of “One Person, One Identity,” and enables seamless identity verification and authentication across government and private-sector platforms”, Adegoke further stated. 

He said henceforth, Nigerians would enjoy wider, easier and more convenient access to identity services, including those at home and thosein the Diaspora.