President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity framework, as the Minister of Interior disclosed that integrated identity databases recently aided the arrest of suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders.
ABUJA – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to modernise identity management, strengthen national security, improve public service delivery and accelerate the country’s digital economy.
The signing ceremony took place on Friday at the State House, Abuja, in the presence of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Prince Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, World Bank representative Taimur Samad and the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission, Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote.
Speaking after the signing, the Minister of Interior described the new legislation as a landmark achievement that would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and improve access to government services through an integrated identity management system.
Tunji-Ojo disclosed that the country’s interconnected identity databases recently enabled security agencies to identify and arrest seven suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders who were returning to Nigeria from the Holy Pilgrimage through Katsina Airport before they were handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to him, the arrests became possible because the National Identity Management Commission database is now fully integrated with immigration records and linked to international security platforms, including Interpol.
“When Mr. President came on board, we had a disconnected system within our identity data management system. At that time, getting a passport and getting a driving permit were completely disconnected from our identity database. But today, you can’t get a Nigerian passport without pulling data from NIMC,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He explained that the new law would accelerate the harmonisation of identity databases, strengthen the integrity of the National Identification Number (NIN) system, improve collaboration among government agencies and enhance Nigeria’s capacity to combat identity theft, terrorism, financial crimes and other security threats.
The minister added that the integration has also strengthened border control and enhanced the country’s ability to detect high-risk individuals entering Nigeria.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed the presidential assent, describing the legislation as a reflection of the National Assembly’s commitment to enacting laws that respond to Nigeria’s evolving security and developmental challenges.
He expressed confidence that the new Act would strengthen public trust in the country’s identity management system and further advance President Tinubu’s reform agenda.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu also described the legislation as a transformative reform, noting that it replaces the outdated NIMC Act of 2007 with a modern legal framework suited to today’s digital realities.
According to him, the law will improve governance, enhance accountability and support national development through a credible and inclusive identity management system.
On her part, the Director-General of NIMC, Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to implementing the provisions of the Act in collaboration with government institutions, development partners and the private sector.
She described the legislation as a major boost to Nigeria’s digital public infrastructure, saying it reinforces the National Identification Number (NIN) as the foundation for identity verification and authentication nationwide.
Coker-Odusote said the NIMC Act 2026 establishes a modern legal framework that promotes trusted digital identity, seamless access to public and private sector services, and introduces innovations designed to meet the demands of Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The Federal Government believes the new legislation will strengthen national security, improve service delivery, expand financial inclusion and support Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda.
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