Tinubu Signs Landmark NIMC Act 2026, Bolstering Nigeria’s Digital Identity Infrastructure and Cybersecurity
President Bola Tinubu has officially signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, a pivotal development that significantly strengthens the legal framework underpinning Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem. This legislative milestone is set to enhance the integrity and functionality of the nation’s digital public infrastructure, with profound implications for businesses, legal practitioners, and regulatory compliance across the country.
The announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, via his verified X handle on Friday. President Tinubu assented to the Act in the State House on Friday, marking a crucial step towards a more robust digital future for Nigeria.
Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the Director-General of NIMC, lauded the President’s decisive action, highlighting the Act’s role in positioning Nigeria for an innovation-driven, trust-centric, and inclusive future. In a statement released to Saturday PUNCH, Dr. Coker-Odusote explained that the NIMC Act 2026 supersedes the NIMC Act of 2007, establishing a contemporary legal architecture designed to fortify the nation’s Digital Public Infrastructure. This new framework is foundational for establishing trusted digital identities and ensuring seamless access to both government and private sector services.
The NIMC Director-General underscored that the Act reinforces the National Identification Number (NIN) as the central pillar for identity verification and authentication nationwide. The legislation introduces critical innovations tailored to the demands of the current digital landscape. Key provisions include enhanced protection for citizens’ personal data, strengthened cybersecurity measures, and the establishment of a legal basis for a robust National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). These elements are designed to foster greater trust in digital transactions and safeguard Nigerians within an increasingly interconnected economy.
Furthermore, the Act champions greater inclusion by ensuring that vulnerable and underserved populations gain access to legal identity, thereby facilitating their full participation in social, economic, and financial opportunities. In a significant move, the Act designates NIMC as the single root of trust (Root Certificate Authority) for all government transactions. This consolidation is expected to streamline operations and eliminate redundant investments in identity infrastructure, providing a unified framework for Nigerian National Public Key Infrastructures that aligns with global best practices. As the ultimate trust anchor, NIMC is now empowered to support all government agencies in the issuance of digital certificates to citizens and end-users, guaranteeing the origin, integrity, and non-repudiation of documents across digital ecosystems.
