President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, introducing a modern digital identity framework with tougher penalties for identity-related offences and stronger protection for Nigerians’ personal data.
The new legislation replaces the nearly two-decade-old legal framework governing Nigeria’s identity management system and is designed to support the country’s digital transformation and long-term economic growth.
Announcing the development, Tinubu said the law marks the beginning of a new era for Nigeria’s identity infrastructure, adding that it will play a vital role in the nation’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.
Under the new Act, the National Identity Management Commission becomes the Root Certification Authority for Nigeria’s National Public Key Infrastructure and Digital Public Infrastructure. This gives the commission responsibility for managing trusted digital identities, secure electronic signatures, and verified online transactions.
The President also stated that the law strengthens data privacy by aligning the country’s identity management system with the Nigerian Data Protection Act. He assured Nigerians that personal information cannot be accessed or used without consent except through legally approved procedures.
One of the major provisions of the Act makes the National Identification Number (NIN) compulsory for several public and private sector transactions. These include passport applications, voter registration, opening bank accounts, land transactions, telecommunications services, pensions, insurance, tax payments, consumer credit, and access to government services.
Tinubu also unveiled the introduction of the General Multipurpose Card, a single identity credential that can be used for verification across multiple sectors.
The President explained that the legislation includes special provisions to ensure vulnerable and underserved Nigerians are not excluded from the national identity system. According to him, the Act creates an identifier system for individuals without permanent residences and introduces measures to improve financial and social inclusion.
He added that Nigerians living abroad will also benefit from easier access to identity services through the new framework.
The law further reconstitutes the NIMC Governing Board with representatives from 14 key government institutions, 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).
Tinubu said the Act introduces significantly tougher penalties for identity fraud and related offences. Corporate organisations found guilty could face fines of up to ₦20 million, while individuals convicted of offences such as unauthorised access, multiple registration, or impersonation could receive a minimum prison sentence of five years.
The legislation also grants the commission court-authorised powers to investigate offences, conduct searches, seize evidence, decrypt relevant data, and arrest suspects where necessary.
The President commended the National Assembly, the Ministry of Interior, NIMC management, development partners, and other stakeholders for supporting the passage of the legislation, describing it as another important milestone in building a more secure, inclusive, and digitally driven Nigeria.
