President Tinubu Signs New NIMC Law To Strengthen Nigeria’s Digital Identity System
Nigeria has taken another step towards a fully digital economy following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assent to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026, a new law designed to modernise the country’s identity management framework and enhance digital security.
President Tinubu signed the legislation at the State House on Friday, replacing the NIMC Act of 2007 with a legal framework aimed at improving identity verification, protecting citizens’ data and supporting seamless digital services across government and the private sector.
The NIMC described the Act as a landmark reform that positions the Commission as Nigeria’s Root Certification Authority for the National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), making it the country’s trusted authority for secure digital identity, authentication and electronic trust services.
According to the Commission, the new law will strengthen cybersecurity, improve interoperability among public and private institutions, reinforce the National Identification Number (NIN) system, expand access to identity services for Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, and introduce stronger safeguards against fraud.
NIMC said the legislation aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by promoting digital transformation, financial inclusion, improved public service delivery, and the development of a secure digital ecosystem that supports Nigeria’s ambition to become a one-trillion-dollar economy.
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