President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, introducing a new legal framework aimed at modernising Nigeria’s identity management system, strengthening national security, improving public service delivery, and accelerating the country’s digital economy.
The signing ceremony took place on Friday at the State House, Abuja, and was witnessed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Prince Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, World Bank representative Taimur Samad, and NIMC Director-General Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote.
Speaking after the signing, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, described the legislation as a landmark achievement that will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture through improved identity management.
The Minister disclosed that the integration of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database with the immigration system recently led to the arrest of seven suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders who were returning to Nigeria from the Holy Pilgrimage in Mecca through Katsina Airport. He said the suspects were identified through the harmonised identity system and immediately handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to Tunji-Ojo, the Tinubu administration inherited a fragmented identity management system where agencies operated independently. He explained that today, essential government services, including passport issuance, now rely directly on the National Identity Number (NIN), allowing seamless verification across multiple agencies.
He added that the new Act will fast-track the harmonisation of identity databases, improve collaboration among security agencies, strengthen border control, reduce identity theft, and enhance Nigeria’s capacity to combat terrorism, financial crimes, and other security threats.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed the presidential assent, describing the legislation as a reflection of the National Assembly’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s evolving security and development challenges. He expressed confidence that the law would strengthen public trust in the nation’s identity management system while supporting President Tinubu’s reform agenda.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu also praised the President for signing the bill into law, noting that the previous NIMC Act of 2007 had become outdated. He said the new legislation provides a modern framework capable of supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation, improving governance, promoting accountability, and delivering more efficient public services.
The Director-General of NIMC, Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, described the new law as a historic milestone that positions Nigeria for a future driven by innovation, trust, and digital inclusion. She noted that after nearly two decades without major reforms, the Act now establishes a modern legal foundation that reinforces the National Identification Number (NIN) as the country’s primary means of identity verification and authentication.
She further assured Nigerians that the Commission will work closely with government institutions, development partners, and the private sector to fully implement the provisions of the Act and build a world-class digital identity ecosystem that supports both public and private sector services.
The signing of the NIMC Act 2026 marks one of the Federal Government’s most significant digital governance reforms, with authorities expressing optimism that the legislation will improve national security, strengthen identity verification, and expand access to essential government services across Nigeria.
