President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, replacing the NIMC Act of 2007 in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity framework.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
According to the ministry, the new legislation marks a major step towards building a secure, inclusive and digitally enabled nation by improving identity management, data protection and digital trust.
What’s new in the NIMC Act 2026?
The new law introduces stronger safeguards for personal data, aligning Nigeria’s identity management system with the Nigeria Data Protection Act and international privacy standards.
It also designates the National Identity Management Commission as Nigeria’s root certification authority for the country’s National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). This gives the commission responsibility for secure digital identity, authentication and electronic trust services.
In addition, the Act empowers NIMC to facilitate secure and seamless data sharing among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), private organisations and other authorised institutions.
The legislation also positions the NIMC General Multipurpose Card as a nationwide identity credential under the initiative, “One Card, Multiple Possibilities.”
What it means for Nigerians
The Ministry of Interior said the implementation of the Act is expected to create a secure and interoperable digital identity ecosystem that will improve access to both government and private sector services.
According to the ministry, Nigerians, including those living abroad, will benefit from; Easier access to identity services, stronger protection of personal data and privacy, Improved cybersecurity and confidence in digital transactions, faster and more secure identity verification and authentication.
A stronger foundation for Nigeria’s digital economy, digital governance and long-term national development.
The ministry added that the new law reflects Tinubu’s commitment to advancing digital governance and supporting his administration’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.
