President Bola Tinubu on Friday signed the National Identity Management Commission Act 2026 into law, saying the legislation introduces stricter penalties for identity-related offences and establishes a comprehensive digital identity framework for all Nigerians.
The new legislation replaces a nearly 20-year-old framework with a modern, secure and fully digital identity infrastructure.
In a statement issued via his verified X account, Tinubu highlighted key provisions of the Act, noting that it would position Nigeria’s identity management system to support the country’s ambition to become a $1 trillion economy.
“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 him, 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.
The President said the law strengthens the protection of Nigerians’ personal data by aligning the country’s identity management system 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.
One NIN for all transactions
Tinubu disclosed that the National Identification Number would now be required for a wide range of public and private transactions, including passport applications, voter registration, bank accounts, land transactions, telecommunications services, pensions, insurance, tax payments, consumer credit and access to government services.
“One person. One identity. One number,” he said.
He also announced that the Act introduces the General Multipurpose Card.
“One Card, Multiple Possibilities. A single, versatile identity credential for verification across every sector of our national life,” he said.
