President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, introducing a comprehensive digital identity framework, stronger data protection measures and significantly tougher penalties for identity-related offences.
The new legislation replaces the legal framework that has governed Nigeria’s identity management system for nearly two decades, with the Federal Government describing it as a major step towards building a secure digital economy and supporting the country’s ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy.
Announcing the development on Friday through his verified X account, President Tinubu said the new law marks the beginning of a new era for Nigeria’s identity management system.
“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,” Tinubu said.
According to the President, the Act designates the National Identity Management Commission as the Root Certification Authority for Nigeria’s National Public Key Infrastructure and Digital Public Infrastructure.
“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,” he stated.
Tinubu said the legislation also strengthens the protection of citizens’ personal information by aligning Nigeria’s identity management framework with the Nigerian Data Protection Act.
“I will not allow the data of Nigerians to be treated carelessly. This Act aligns our identity system with the Nigerian Data Protection Act. The Act expressly says your personal information cannot be accessed without your consent.
“It cannot be used beyond the purpose for which you gave it, and any access must go through proper legal channels. This is your right as a Nigerian, and this law protects it,” he said.
The President disclosed that the National Identification Number (NIN) will now serve as the primary identity credential for a broad range of public and private sector transactions.
These include passport applications, voter registration, bank account opening, land transactions, telecommunications services, pensions, insurance, tax payments, consumer credit and access to government services.
“One person. One identity. One number,” he said.
Tinubu also announced the introduction of a General Multipurpose Card, which will serve as a single identity credential for verification across multiple sectors.
“One Card, Multiple Possibilities. A single, versatile identity credential for verification across every sector of our national life,” he added.
The President said the Act contains special provisions to ensure that vulnerable and underserved Nigerians are not excluded from the national identity system.
“I gave specific instructions that this law must protect the most vulnerable among us. I’m proud to say that it does. 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.
“It expands financial and social inclusion by connecting every Nigerian to the digital economy through a trusted identity.
“And 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. You are part of this Nigeria,” he said.
As part of the reforms, the legislation reconstitutes the NIMC Governing Board to include representatives from 14 key government agencies, including 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 Act also introduces tougher sanctions for identity fraud, multiple registration, impersonation and other related offences.
“And for those who think they can exploit the system, those who forge identities, register multiple times, or steal the identities of others, hear me clearly. Penalties have been increased by up to 100 times.
“Fines of up to ₦20 million for corporate bodies. Minimum five years’ imprisonment for unauthorised access, multiple registration and impersonation,” Tinubu said.
He added that the commission now has court-authorised powers to investigate offences, conduct searches, seize evidence, decrypt data and arrest suspects.
“There will be no tolerance for it,” the President said.
Nigeria introduced the National Identity Number to establish a unified identity database for citizens and legal residents, with the NIMC serving as the agency responsible for enrolment and identity management. Over the years, the Federal Government has increasingly linked the NIN to critical services, including telecommunications, banking and passport applications, as part of efforts to improve national security, service delivery and digital inclusion.
Tinubu commended the National Assembly, the Ministry of Interior, development partners, the management and staff of NIMC, as well as other stakeholders, for their contributions to the passage of the legislation.
“Together, we are building a more secure, inclusive and prosperous Nigeria. This is the Renewed Hope Agenda at work,” he added.
