RismadarVoice Reporters
June 26, 2026
President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, Act 2026 into law, describing it as a major step towards strengthening Nigeria’s identity management system, national security and digital economy.
The signing ceremony took place at the State House in Abuja in the presence of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, senior government officials and development partners.
Speaking after the signing, Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the new law would accelerate the harmonisation of identity databases, improve inter-agency collaboration and strengthen efforts to combat identity theft, terrorism and other financial crimes.
The minister disclosed that the integration of the National Identity Management Commission database with the Nigeria Immigration Service enabled security agencies to arrest seven suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders who were returning from the Hajj pilgrimage through Katsina Airport last week.
Dr Tunji-Ojo said the country’s passport and immigration systems are now fully integrated with the National Identity Number database, enhancing border security and identity verification.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the new legislation as a reflection of the National Assembly’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s identity management architecture and supporting the President’s reform agenda.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu said the law would modernise the country’s identity management framework, improve governance, promote accountability and support national development.
Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission, Dr Abisoye Coker-Odusote, said the Act provides a modern legal framework for Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem and reinforces the National Identification Number as the foundation for identity verification and access to public and private sector services.
The Presidency says the new law takes immediate effect.
