President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, introducing a modern digital identity system and significantly tougher penalties for identity-related offences across Nigeria.
The new law replaces the country's nearly two-decade-old identity management framework with a more secure and fully digital system designed to improve public services, strengthen data protection, and support Nigeria's growing digital economy.
According to President Tinubu, the Act gives the National Identity Management Commission the responsibility of serving as the Root Certification Authority for Nigeria's National Public Key Infrastructure and Digital Public Infrastructure. This means the commission will oversee secure digital identities, electronic signatures, and trusted online transactions nationwide.
The legislation also strengthens the protection of citizens' personal information by aligning Nigeria's identity system with the Nigerian Data Protection Act. Under the new law, personal data cannot be accessed or used without the owner's consent unless permitted through lawful procedures.
One of the major changes introduced by the Act is the expanded use of the National Identification Number (NIN). Nigerians will now be required to use their NIN for a wide range of services, including passport applications, voter registration, opening bank accounts, land transactions, tax payments, pensions, insurance services, telecommunications, consumer credit, and access to government services.
The law also introduces a new General Multipurpose Card that will allow Nigerians to verify their identity across multiple sectors using a single identity credential.
To promote inclusion, the Act provides special measures to register vulnerable Nigerians, including people without permanent residences and underserved communities. It also improves access to identity services for Nigerians living abroad.
The legislation reconstitutes the governing board of NIMC with representatives from 14 major government agencies, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the National Population Commission, and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The new law introduces much stricter punishments for identity fraud and related offences. Corporate organisations found guilty of violating the law could face fines of up to ₦20 million, while individuals convicted of offences such as identity theft, impersonation, unauthorized access to personal information, or multiple registrations could receive a minimum prison sentence of five years.
In addition, the commission has been granted court-authorised powers to investigate offences, conduct searches, seize evidence, decrypt digital data, and arrest suspects involved in identity-related crimes.
President Tinubu described the legislation as a major step toward building a safer, more inclusive, and digitally connected Nigeria, adding that it supports the country's long-term economic development and digital transformation goals.
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