President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, replacing the 2007 legislation with a new legal framework aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity system, cybersecurity, and national security.
The new law designates NIMC as Nigeria’s Root Certification Authority for the National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), giving the commission greater responsibility for secure digital identity, authentication, and electronic trust services across both public and private sectors.
It also reinforces the National Identification Number (NIN) as the country’s primary identity credential under the “One Person, One Identity” policy, while introducing stronger data protection measures, enhanced cybersecurity safeguards, anti-fraud provisions, and improved interoperability among government databases.
The Federal Government says the legislation will support digital transformation, improve public service delivery, expand financial inclusion, and strengthen the country’s security architecture through a more reliable identity management system.
DAILY TIMES
