TINUBU SIGNS NEW NIMC ACT TO STRENGTHEN DIGITAL IDENTITY SYSTEM
Read Time:3 Minute, 12 Second
By: Fasasi Hammad
President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s identity management framework, improving national security, enhancing public service delivery and advancing the country’s digital transformation agenda.
The signing ceremony was held on Friday at the State House in Abuja and was attended by key government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, World Bank representative Taimur Samad, and NIMC Director-General Abisoye Coker-Odusote.
Speaking after the event, Tunji-Ojo described the legislation as a landmark achievement in the government’s efforts to reform and modernise Nigeria’s identity management system.
According to the minister, the new law will enhance collaboration among government agencies, strengthen the integrity of the National Identification Number (NIN) system and improve the country’s capacity to tackle terrorism, identity theft, financial crimes and other security challenges.
READ MORE…
BURKINA FASO ENDS RELATIONS WITH FRANCE OVER SOVEREIGNTY CONCERNS
He revealed that the integration of NIMC’s database with other national and international identity platforms has already produced significant security outcomes, including the recent arrest of suspected terrorist operatives.
Tunji-Ojo disclosed that seven suspected commanders linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were apprehended at Katsina Airport while returning from the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
“We inherited a fragmented identity management system. Last week, seven known Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders were intercepted at Katsina Airport upon their return from Mecca and handed over to the Department of State Services,” he said.
The minister explained that the arrests were made possible through the integration of NIMC’s database with the Nigeria Immigration Service and international law enforcement systems.
“The NIMC database is now connected to immigration records and interfaces with Interpol’s platform around the clock, making identity verification far more effective,” he added.
Tunji-Ojo noted that prior to the reforms, Nigeria’s identity databases operated in isolation, making it difficult to verify individuals across government platforms.
“Before this administration, identity systems were disconnected. Today, no one can obtain a Nigerian passport without validation through the NIMC database,” he said.
Senate President Akpabio described the presidential assent as another major step in the administration’s reform programme, noting that the legislation reflects the National Assembly’s commitment to strengthening governance and national security.
He expressed optimism that the law would boost public confidence in the country’s identity management architecture and support broader efforts to modernise government services.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu said the repeal and replacement of the 2007 NIMC Act would bring Nigeria’s identity management framework in line with current technological developments.
According to him, the new legislation will improve accountability, strengthen institutional governance and contribute to national development through a more credible and inclusive digital identity system.
“The world has been expecting Nigeria to update this legislation. Today’s signing marks a significant milestone in our digital transformation journey,” Kalu said.
NIMC Director-General Abisoye Coker-Odusote also welcomed the development, describing the Act as a major boost to the commission’s mandate.
She explained that the law provides a modern legal foundation for Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem and formally reinforces the National Identification Number as the country’s primary tool for identity verification and authentication.
Coker-Odusote noted that the legislation introduces several innovations designed to improve access to public and private sector services while strengthening the nation’s digital public infrastructure.
She commended President Tinubu for championing the reform, describing the new Act as a critical step toward building a secure, trusted and inclusive digital identity system for all Nigerians.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0