President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, introducing a new legal framework aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s identity management system, enhancing national security, improving public service delivery, and accelerating the country’s digital transformation.
The signing ceremony took place at the State House in Abuja and was attended by senior government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and NIMC Director-General Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote.
Speaking after the signing, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said the integration of Nigeria’s identity databases has already improved national security. He disclosed that seven suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders returning from the Hajj pilgrimage were recently arrested at Katsina Airport after being identified through the interconnected NIMC and immigration databases before being handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to the minister, the reforms have linked the National Identity Number (NIN) database with immigration systems and international security platforms, making it more difficult for criminal suspects to evade detection.
The new law is expected to strengthen the National Identity Number (NIN) as the country’s primary means of identity verification, improve collaboration among government agencies, enhance border security, and support efforts to combat identity theft, terrorism, and financial crimes.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the legislation as a major milestone that aligns with the National Assembly’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and supporting the country’s digital transformation.
NIMC Director-General Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote said the new Act replaces an outdated legal framework that had remained unchanged for nearly two decades, providing a modern foundation for a secure, trusted, and inclusive digital identity ecosystem that will improve access to both government and private-sector services.
