President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, introducing tougher punishments for identity-related crimes and laying the foundation for a modern digital identity system for every Nigerian.
The legislation, signed on Friday, replaces the nearly two-decade-old legal framework governing identity management with a more advanced, secure, and fully digital system.
In a statement shared on his verified X account, the President described the new law as a major milestone that would strengthen Nigeria's digital economy and support the country's goal of becoming 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 stated.
The President explained that the Act officially designates the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) as the Root Certification Authority for Nigeria's National Public Key Infrastructure and Digital Public Infrastructure.
According to him, this gives the commission responsibility for securing digital identities, authenticating digital signatures, and safeguarding electronic transactions across the country.
"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 said.
Stronger Protection for Personal Data
Tinubu said the new law reinforces the privacy of Nigerians by bringing the country's identity management system into full alignment with the Nigerian Data Protection Act.
He assured citizens that personal information would no longer be accessed or used without proper authorisation.
"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.
NIN Now Required for More Services
The President disclosed that the National Identification Number (NIN) will become compulsory for numerous public and private sector transactions.
These include passport applications, voter registration, opening and operating bank accounts, land transactions, telecommunications services, pension processing, insurance services, tax payments, consumer credit, and access to government services.
Describing the initiative, Tinubu said, "One person. One identity. One number."
He also announced the introduction of a General Multipurpose Card, which will serve as a single identity credential for verification across different sectors.
"One Card, Multiple Possibilities. A single, versatile identity credential for verification across every sector of our national life," he said.
Inclusion of Vulnerable Nigerians
The President said the Act makes provisions to ensure that vulnerable and underserved Nigerians are not excluded from the national identity system.
According to him, the law creates a dedicated identifier for people without permanent residences and requires special efforts to enrol disadvantaged groups.
"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 stated.
Governing Board Expanded
Tinubu also announced that the Act reconstitutes the NIMC Governing Board to include representatives from 14 major government institutions.
Among the agencies represented are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the National Population Commission (NPC), and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Tougher Punishment for Identity Crimes
The President said the legislation significantly increases penalties for identity fraud and other related offences.
He warned that anyone involved in identity forgery, multiple registration, impersonation, or other forms of identity abuse would face severe consequences.
"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," he said.
Tinubu further disclosed that the Act empowers NIMC, with court approval, to investigate offences, conduct searches, seize evidence, decrypt digital information, and arrest suspects involved in identity-related crimes.
"There will be no tolerance for it," the President declared.
He commended the National Assembly, the Federal Ministry of Interior, development partners, the management and staff of NIMC, and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful passage of the legislation.
"Together, we are building a more secure, inclusive and prosperous Nigeria. This is the Renewed Hope Agenda at work," Tinubu added.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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