President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law.

In a statement on Friday, Mr Tinubu said Nigeria’s identity system had operated for nearly two decades under a law written for a different era, adding that the new Act provides the country with a modern, secure, inclusive and digital identity framework.

“For nearly twenty years, Nigeria’s identity system operated under a law written for a different era. That era is over.

“This new Act gives our country a modern, secure, inclusive and digital identity framework fit for the Nigeria we are building; a Nigeria on the path to becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy,” he said.

He said the new law positions the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) at the centre of Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure and National Public Key Infrastructure, providing the trust foundation for verified identities, secure transactions, digital signatures and the wider digital economy.

“With this law, NIMC is now positioned at the heart of Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure and National Public Key Infrastructure, providing the trust foundation for verified identities, secure transactions, digital signatures and the wider digital economy.

“The Act also strengthens the protection of citizens’ data. Personal information cannot be accessed carelessly, used outside its original purpose, or treated without regard for consent and due legal process,” he said. 

Mr Tinubu said the law strengthens the protection of Nigerians’ personal data and reinforces privacy safeguards.

“Your National Identification Number will now serve as a stronger gateway to critical services, including passports, voter registration, bank accounts, land transactions, telecommunications, pensions, insurance, tax payments, consumer credit and government services.

“I gave specific instructions that this law must also protect the vulnerable, the underserved, and Nigerians in the Diaspora. No Nigerian should be locked out of opportunity because they lack a trusted identity,” he said.

The president added that the Act strengthens governance, expands representation on the NIMC Board, improves accountability and introduces tougher penalties for identity theft, multiple registration, unauthorised access and abuse of the system.

He stated, “We will not tolerate those who forge identities, steal the identities of others, or exploit the system.”

Mr Tinubu also commended the National Assembly, the minister of interior, NIMC, development partners and all Nigerians whose support helped to deliver the legislation.