President Bola Tinubu has signed the NIMC Act 2026 into law, introducing a new legal framework for Nigeria’s digital identity system, stronger data protection measures, and tougher penalties for identity-related offences.
The legislation replaces the National Identity Management Commission’s nearly two-decade-old legal framework with a modern digital identity infrastructure. According to the President, the reform is designed to strengthen trust in Nigeria’s digital economy while supporting the country’s ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy.
In a statement shared through his verified X account on Friday, Tinubu said the new law marks a significant shift in the country’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,” he said.
Under the new legislation, the National Identity Management Commission becomes 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,” Tinubu stated.
The President also said the NIMC Act 2026 aligns Nigeria’s identity management system with the Nigerian Data Protection Act to strengthen the protection of citizens’ personal information.
“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 added.
The President explained that the National Identification Number will now serve as the primary identity credential for several public and private sector transactions. These include 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,” Tinubu said. He also announced the introduction of a General Multipurpose Card.
“One Card, Multiple Possibilities. A single, versatile identity credential for verification across every sector of our national life,” he stated. The legislation further provides special enrolment measures for vulnerable Nigerians, including people without permanent residences, while expanding access to identity services for Nigerians living abroad.
The NIMC Act 2026 also introduces significantly tougher sanctions for identity fraud and 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,” the President said.
The law also grants the commission court-authorised powers to investigate offences, conduct searches, seize evidence, decrypt data, and arrest suspects.
Tinubu added that the legislation reconstitutes NIMC’s Governing Board to include representatives from 14 key government institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Central Bank of Nigeria, National Population Commission, and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The President commended the National Assembly, the Ministry of Interior, development partners, NIMC management, and other stakeholders for supporting the passage of the legislation, describing it as a major step toward building a more secure, inclusive, and digitally connected Nigeria.
