The new law strengthens Nigeria’s digital identity system by introducing a modern legal framework focused on secure identity management, data protection and interoperability.
President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, officially replacing the NIMC Act of 2007 with a new legal framework aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem.
The President assented to the legislation on Friday at the State House in Abuja, a development announced by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. According to the National Identity Management Commission, the new Act reinforces the Commission’s role as the statutory authority responsible for Nigeria’s national identification system while reaffirming the principle of “One Person, One Identity.”
The legislation establishes a modern legal framework designed to align Nigeria’s identity management system with global best practices, emerging technologies and the country’s evolving digital economy. It also designates NIMC as the Root Certification Authority for Nigeria’s National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), placing the Commission at the centre of secure digital identity, authentication and electronic trust services across government and private-sector platforms.
According to NIMC, the Act introduces key provisions including stronger data protection and privacy measures, secure digital identity and interoperability, a general multipurpose card, improved inclusion for vulnerable groups and enhanced anti-fraud safeguards. The Commission said the law also strengthens the National Identification Number (NIN) framework and supports seamless identity verification and authentication across both public and private institutions.
The signing marks a significant legislative step in the federal government’s effort to modernise identity management infrastructure. By repealing the 2007 law, the new framework provides updated legal backing for digital identity services in line with current technological and governance requirements.
The NIMC described the presidential assent as a landmark moment for Nigeria’s digital identity system, stating that the legislation strengthens secure digital identity, trust and innovation across the country.