President Bola Tinubu has signed the NIMC Act 2026 into law, ushering in a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s digital identity system with stricter penalties for identity-related offences, expanded use of the National Identification Number (NIN), stronger data protection safeguards and a modern legal framework designed to support the country’s digital economy.
The President announced the signing of the legislation on Friday through his verified X account, describing the new law as a major step toward building a secure and trusted digital identity infrastructure capable of supporting Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy. According to Tinubu, the legislation replaces the nearly two-decade-old legal framework that governed identity management in the country.
“I have today (Friday) signed the NIMC Act 2026 into law. For nearly twenty years, Nigeria’s identity system operated under a law written for a different era. That era is over,” the President stated.
A key feature of the NIMC Act 2026 is the designation of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) as the Root Certification Authority for Nigeria’s National Public Key Infrastructure and Digital Public Infrastructure. Tinubu explained that the development gives NIMC responsibility for securing digital identities, digital signatures and electronic transactions across the country.
“With this, NIMC now holds the keys to trust in our digital economy: every digital signature, every secure transaction, and every verified identity. This is how serious nations build digital economies, and we are building one for Nigeria.”
The President said the new legislation strengthens the protection of Nigerians’ personal information by aligning the country’s identity management framework with the Nigerian Data Protection Act. He stressed that citizens’ personal information cannot be accessed without consent, used for purposes beyond those originally approved or obtained outside established legal procedures.
“I will not allow the data of Nigerians to be treated carelessly. This Act aligns our identity system with the Nigerian Data Protection Act.” According to him, the law guarantees that every Nigerian has the right to privacy regarding their identity information.
The NIMC Act 2026 significantly expands the use of the National Identification Number across both government and private sector services.
Tinubu said the NIN will now be required for: passport applications, voter registration, opening and operating bank accounts, land transactions, telecommunications services, pension administration, insurance services, tax payments, consumer credit facilities, access to government services
Summarising the policy, the President said: “One person. One identity. One number.”
The legislation also introduces a General Multipurpose Card that will function as a unified identity credential for Nigerians. Describing the innovation, Tinubu said:
“One Card, Multiple Possibilities. A single, versatile identity credential for verification across every sector of our national life.” The government expects the card to simplify identity verification across multiple public and private institutions.
The President disclosed that the law contains specific provisions to ensure that vulnerable and underserved Nigerians are not excluded from the national identity ecosystem. According to him, an Identifier System has been created for people without permanent residences and other vulnerable groups to promote financial inclusion and improve access to social services.
“The Act creates an Identifier system for vulnerable persons, including those without permanent residences, and mandates special measures to bring underserved Nigerians into the identity system.” Tinubu added that Nigerians living abroad will also benefit from easier and more accessible identity services under the new framework.
“For our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora, this Act guarantees wider, easier and more convenient access to identity services wherever you are in the world. You are not forgotten.”
The law also reconstitutes NIMC’s Governing Board by bringing together representatives from 14 strategic government institutions.
The agencies include the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), National Population Commission (NPC) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), among others. The restructuring is expected to strengthen inter-agency collaboration in identity management and national security.
One of the most significant provisions of the NIMC Act 2026 is the introduction of far stiffer sanctions for identity-related crimes.
Tinubu warned that offenders involved in identity theft, impersonation, multiple registrations and other fraudulent activities would now face severe punishment. According to the President, penalties have increased by as much as 100 times, including fines of up to ₦20 million for corporate organisations and a minimum of five years imprisonment for offences such as unauthorised access, identity impersonation and multiple registration.
“There will be no tolerance for it.”
The President further disclosed that NIMC now has court-authorised powers to investigate offences, conduct searches, seize evidence, decrypt electronic data and arrest suspects where necessary.
Tinubu expressed appreciation to the National Assembly, the Ministry of Interior, development partners, NIMC management and staff, as well as other stakeholders whose contributions led to the successful passage of the legislation. He described the law as a major milestone in building a safer, more inclusive and digitally connected Nigeria.
“Together, we are building a more secure, inclusive and prosperous Nigeria. This is the Renewed Hope Agenda at work.”
