President Bola Tinubu has signed into law the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act, 2026, introducing a new legal framework aimed at modernising Nigeria’s digital identity system, strengthening data protection, and expanding access to identity services for citizens.
The new legislation repeals and replaces the National Identity Management Commission Act of 2007 and is designed to enhance the country’s digital identity ecosystem through stronger legal, institutional, and technological safeguards.
A major provision of the Act is the introduction of enhanced data protection measures that align with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) and internationally recognised privacy standards. The law provides stronger safeguards for the secure collection, processing, storage, and protection of Nigerians’ personal information.
The Act also designates the National Identity Management Commission as Nigeria’s root certification authority for the National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). This gives the Commission responsibility for overseeing secure digital identity management, authentication systems, and electronic trust services nationwide.
In addition, the legislation empowers the Commission to facilitate secure and seamless data exchange among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), private organisations, and other authorised institutions, promoting greater interoperability across government and private digital platforms.
Another key provision is the introduction of the NIMC General Multipurpose Card, an initiative tagged “One Card, Multiple Possibilities.” The card is expected to simplify identity verification and provide Nigerians with easier access to a wide range of public and private sector services.
Explaining the significance of the new law, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said its implementation would establish a trusted, secure, and interoperable digital identity ecosystem capable of supporting efficient service delivery across both government and private institutions.
According to the minister, Nigerians, including those living in the diaspora, will benefit from more accessible identity services, stronger protection of personal data, improved cybersecurity, and greater confidence in digital transactions.
Tunji-Ojo added that the Act will enable faster, safer, and more reliable identity verification and authentication while laying a stronger foundation for Nigeria’s digital economy, digital governance, and long-term national development.
He described the signing of the legislation as another milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise public service delivery and strengthen digital infrastructure, saying it supports the administration’s broader economic transformation agenda.
Tinubu Signs New National Identity Management Commission Act Into Law, Strengthens Nigeria’s Digital Identity System
