Tinubu Signs NIMC Act 2026 to Enhance Digital Identity

On Friday, President Bola Tinubu signed the National Identity Management Commission Act 2026 into law at the State House. This act, announced by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, aims to strengthen the legal framework for Nigeria's digital identification system.

The Director General of the NIMC, Dr. Abisoy Coker Odusot, commended the President for the assent, emphasizing the act's role in building on the NIMC Act of 2007. The new law is designed to enhance the country's digital public infrastructure, ensuring seamless access to government and private sector services.

It introduces critical innovations to address the realities of today's digital environment, reinforcing the protection of citizens' personal data and cybersecurity measures. The act also provides a legal basis for the NIMC to serve as the single root of trust for government transactions, promoting greater inclusivity and enabling underserved populations to access legal identification and participate fully in social and economic opportunities.