ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-President Bola Tinubu on Friday signed the National Identity Management Commission Act 2026 into law, introducing a new legal framework for Nigeria’s digital identity system that prescribes stiffer penalties for identity-related offences, strengthens data protection, and expands the use of the National Identification Number across public and private services.
The new legislation replaces the nearly two-decade-old legal framework governing Nigeria’s identity management system with a modern digital architecture designed to support secure identity verification, financial inclusion, and the country’s broader digital economy objectives.
Announcing the development in a statement posted on his verified X account, Tinubu said the Act would strengthen trust in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and support the country’s ambition of building a $1 trillion 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.
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According to the President, the legislation designates the National Identity Management Commission as the Root Certification Authority for Nigeria’s National Public Key Infrastructure and Digital Public Infrastructure.
“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 stated.
Tinubu said the law also reinforces the protection of citizens’ personal information by aligning Nigeria’s identity management framework with the Nigerian Data Protection Act.
“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,” he said.
The President disclosed that the National Identification Number would become the primary means of identity verification for a broad range of government and private sector transactions, including passport applications, voter registration, banking services, land transactions, telecommunications services, pensions, insurance, tax payments, consumer credit and access to government services.
“One person. One identity. One number,” he said.
Tinubu also announced the introduction of the General Multipurpose Card, which he described as a unified identity credential for use across different sectors.
“One Card, Multiple Possibilities. A single, versatile identity credential for verification across every sector of our national life,” he said.
The President said the legislation provides special safeguards to ensure vulnerable and underserved Nigerians are not excluded from the national identity system.
He said, “I gave specific instructions that this law must protect the most vulnerable among us. I’m proud to say that it does. The Act creates an Identifier system for vulnerable persons, including those without permanent residences, and mandates special measures to bring underserved Nigerians into the identity system.
“It expands financial and social inclusion by connecting every Nigerian to the digital economy through a trusted identity.
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“And for our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora, this Act guarantees wider, easier and more convenient access to identity services wherever you are in the world. You are not forgotten. You are part of this Nigeria.”
Tinubu further stated that the law reconstitutes the NIMC Governing Board with representatives from 14 key government institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Central Bank of Nigeria, National Population Commission and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The President also said the Act introduces significantly tougher sanctions for identity fraud and related offences.
“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,” he said.
He added that the commission now has court-authorised powers to investigate offences, conduct searches, seize evidence, decrypt data and arrest suspects.
“There will be no tolerance for it,” the President said.
Tinubu commended the National Assembly, the Ministry of Interior, development partners, the management and staff of the National Identity Management Commission, and other stakeholders for their contributions to the enactment of the legislation.
“Together, we are building a more secure, inclusive and prosperous Nigeria. This is the Renewed Hope Agenda at work,” he added.