President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, introducing tougher penalties for identity-related offences, expanding the use of the National Identification Number (NIN) and laying the foundation for a modern digital identity system aimed at improving security, public service delivery and economic growth.
The new law replaces the National Identity Management Commission Act of 2007, which had governed Nigeria’s identity management system for nearly two decades.
President Tinubu said the legislation marks the beginning of a new era in Nigeria’s digital transformation and would provide the legal framework needed to build a secure, trusted and globally competitive identity ecosystem.
In a statement posted on his verified X account on Friday, the President said the previous law was no longer suitable for the demands of a rapidly changing digital 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 said.
According to him, the new legislation will strengthen Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and support the country’s ambition of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy by improving identity verification, reducing fraud and encouraging investment.
One of the major changes introduced by the law is the designation of the National Identity Management Commission as the Root Certification Authority for Nigeria’s National Public Key Infrastructure and Digital Public Infrastructure.
The President explained that this places NIMC at the centre of Nigeria’s digital identity system, making it responsible for verifying digital identities and securing electronic transactions across both government and private sectors.
“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.
Tinubu also assured Nigerians that the new Act provides stronger protection for personal information by aligning the country’s identity management framework with the Nigerian Data Protection Act.
He stressed that citizens’ personal information cannot be accessed or used without their consent except through lawful procedures.
“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,” the President stated.
A major feature of the new law is the expanded use of the National Identification Number as the country’s primary identity credential.
Under the Act, the NIN will now be required for a wide range of public and private sector transactions, including passport applications, voter registration, opening and operating bank accounts, land transactions, telecommunications services, pensions, insurance, tax payments, consumer credit facilities and access to various government services.
Describing the objective of the reform, Tinubu said: “One person. One identity. One number.”
The legislation also introduces a General Multipurpose Card, which the President described as a single identity credential that can be used across multiple sectors.
According to him, the card will simplify identity verification and make it easier for Nigerians to access government and private sector services using one secure identity document.
The President said the law also places special emphasis on ensuring that vulnerable and underserved Nigerians are not left out of the country’s digital identity system.
He explained that the Act establishes an Identifier System for vulnerable persons, including those without permanent homes, while directing relevant agencies to adopt special measures to register people living in remote or disadvantaged communities.
“I gave specific instructions that this law must protect the most vulnerable among us. I’m proud to say that it does,” Tinubu said.
He added that the legislation would promote financial inclusion by connecting more Nigerians to formal banking services and government intervention programmes through a trusted digital identity.
The President also assured Nigerians living abroad that the law guarantees easier access to identity services through Nigerian missions and other approved channels.
“You are not forgotten. You are part of this Nigeria,” he said.
Another significant provision of the new Act is the reconstitution of the Governing Board of the National Identity Management Commission.
The board will now include representatives of 14 key government institutions, including 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).
The government believes the inclusion of these institutions will improve coordination among agencies that rely on identity verification for security, financial regulation, elections and public administration.
Perhaps the most far-reaching aspect of the new law is the introduction of tougher punishments for identity fraud and related offences.
President Tinubu said penalties have been increased significantly to discourage criminal activities involving identity theft, multiple registration and impersonation.
According to him, corporate organisations found guilty of identity-related offences can now face fines of up to ₦20 million.
Individuals convicted of offences such as unauthorised access to identity information, multiple registration or impersonation will face a minimum prison sentence of five years.
“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,” the President declared.
The Act also grants NIMC stronger enforcement powers to investigate identity-related offences.
Under the new law, the commission can obtain court approval to investigate suspects, conduct searches, seize evidence, decrypt electronic data and arrest individuals suspected of violating identity laws.
“There will be no tolerance for it,” Tinubu said.
Identity management has become increasingly important in Nigeria’s efforts to improve security, reduce financial crimes and strengthen public service delivery. Over the years, the Federal Government has linked the National Identification Number with bank verification numbers, SIM card registration, passports and other official records as part of efforts to create a unified national identity database.
Government officials believe the new legislation will accelerate these reforms, improve inter-agency collaboration and make it more difficult for criminals to exploit weaknesses in identity verification systems.
President Tinubu commended the National Assembly, the Ministry of Interior, the management and staff of NIMC, development partners and other stakeholders for supporting the passage of the legislation.
He described the new law as another important step in the implementation of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Together, we are building a more secure, inclusive and prosperous Nigeria. This is the Renewed Hope Agenda at work,” the President said.
With the enactment of the NIMC Act 2026, the Federal Government expects Nigeria’s identity management system to become more secure, more inclusive and better equipped to support economic growth, improve public services and strengthen national security in the years ahead.