By Queen Kunde
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, introducing sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity system, protecting citizens’ personal data and driving the country’s digital economy.
The new law replaces the NIMC Act of 2007 and gives the Commission wider powers to manage Nigeria’s identity system in line with global standards and modern technology.
One of the biggest changes is that NIMC will now serve as Nigeria’s trusted authority for secure digital identity and electronic authentication. This means the Commission will oversee the country’s digital identity infrastructure, making online transactions, government services and private-sector operations safer and more reliable.
The law also reinforces the National Identification Number (NIN) as the country’s official identity credential under the principle of “One Person, One Identity,” while allowing both physical and digital identity cards to be used for verification.
According to NIMC, the reform is expected to improve cybersecurity, reduce identity theft, strengthen data protection and make it easier for Nigerians to access government and financial services.
The Act introduces tougher penalties for multiple registrations, identity fraud and impersonation, while providing stronger safeguards for citizens’ personal information in line with the Nigeria Data Protection Act and international privacy standards.
It also seeks to ensure that vulnerable groups, including people without permanent homes, are not left out of the national identity system by introducing special enrolment measures.
Another key feature is the General Multipurpose Card, which NIMC describes as “One Card, Multiple Possibilities.” The card is expected to serve as a single identity credential for multiple public and private services.
The Commission said Nigerians should expect faster and safer identity verification, easier access to services at home and abroad, better protection of personal data and improved digital and financial inclusion.
NIMC added that the new legal framework will enable secure data sharing among government agencies, financial institutions and private organisations, while supporting innovation, electronic commerce and digital governance.
The Commission said the law is in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and will help strengthen national security, improve public service delivery and support Nigeria’s ambition of building a one-trillion-dollar economy.
NIMC thanked President Tinubu for signing the legislation into law and also commended the National Assembly, the Ministry of Interior, development partners and other stakeholders for supporting what it described as the most significant reform of Nigeria’s identity management system since the Commission was established.
The Commission said regulations and implementation guidelines will be released in due course to ensure a smooth transition to the new legal framework.