SAT JUNE 27 2026-theGBJournal| President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, replacing the 2007 legislation in a move that significantly expands the legal framework governing Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem.
The new law strengthens data privacy protections, designates the National Identity Management Commission as the country’s root certification authority for digital identity and electronic trust services, enables secure data sharing across government agencies and authorised private institutions, and seeks to accelerate digital public services while reinforcing national security and the country’s fast-growing digital economy.
The New NIMC Act introduces tougher safeguards for the collection, processing and storage of Nigerians’ personal information, aligning identity management with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) and internationally recognised privacy standards.
NIMC becomes Nigeria’s digital trust authority:
The Commission is now designated as the root certification authority for Nigeria’s National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and digital infrastructure, giving it responsibility for secure digital identities, authentication and electronic trust services.
The legislation equally empowers NIMC to facilitate secure, interoperable data exchange among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), private-sector organisations and other authorised institutions, reducing duplication and improving service delivery.
The law, more importantly, positions the NIMC General Multipurpose Card as a nationwide identity credential under the theme “One Card, Multiple Possibilities,” enabling broader identity verification and access to multiple public and private services.
The authorities say the Act aims to create a trusted and interoperable digital identity ecosystem that allows citizens—including Nigerians in the diaspora—to access identity services more easily, benefit from stronger privacy and cybersecurity protections, conduct faster and more secure digital transactions, and support the long-term development of Nigeria’s digital economy and digital governance.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo revealed that the existing network of databases was used in the arrest of some terrorists returning to Nigeria from the Holy Pilgrimage last week.
He described the signing of the Act as a landmark achievement amid ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening internal security and improving access to government services.
According to the Minister, the new law will accelerate the harmonisation of identity databases, enhance the integrity of the National Identity Number (NIN) system, improve inter-agency collaboration, and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to combat identity theft, terrorism, financial crimes and other security threats.
“What you have in immigration is what you have in the NIMC database, and let me say this clearly, that it has even helped our border control process.
I know, sometime ago, the Senate President was alarmed by how some terrorists went on pilgrimage, wondering how they crossed our borders.
We inherited a fractured system. But I’m happy to tell you that even last week, Thursday, seven of the known commanders of Boko Haram and ISWAP at the point of coming back from Mecca were arrested in Katsina at the airport and were handed over to the DSS.
“This is only possible because NIMC’s ID is already connected with the immigration database, and it’s already speaking to even the Interpol 24/7, and we have been able to automate this,” the Minister said.
X-@theGBJournal|Facebook-the Government and Business Journal|email:gbj@govbusinessjournal.com|govandbusinessj@gmail.com
