Tinubu Signs NIMC Act 2026 to Enhance Identity Management

On Friday, President Bola Tinubu signed the National Identity Management Commission Act 2026 into law, replacing a nearly 20-year-old framework with a modern digital identity infrastructure. The act introduces stricter penalties for identity-related offenses, including a five-year jail term and fines up to 20 million naira for corporate bodies.

It mandates that the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) oversee the national identity management system, which will include a multipurpose card for various transactions. The law emphasizes the protection of personal data, aligning with the Nigerian Data Protection Act, and prohibits unauthorized access to personal information without consent.

Special measures are included to ensure vulnerable and underserved Nigerians are enrolled in the identity system. The act also reconstitutes the NIMC's governing board to include representatives from 14 key government agencies.

Tinubu commended the National Assembly and stakeholders for their contributions to the passage of this legislation, which aims to build a secure and inclusive digital economy in Nigeria.