President Bola Tinubu gave his assent to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 on Friday.

The new law replaces the NIMC Act of 2007 and represents a major step forward in Nigeria’s effort to build a more secure, inclusive, and digitally driven society.

Under the new legislation, stronger safeguards have been introduced to protect personal data, bringing the framework in line with the Nigeria Data Protection Act and international standards. The Act also designates NIMC as the root certification authority for the country’s National Public Key Infrastructure and Digital Public Infrastructure, making the commission the central authority for secure digital identity, authentication, and electronic trust services. It further empowers NIMC to facilitate secure and seamless data exchange among government ministries, departments, agencies, private organisations, and other authorised entities. The NIMC General Multipurpose Card is positioned as a versatile credential for nationwide identity verification under the theme “One Card, Multiple Possibilities”.

In an explainer on the new law, Interior Minister Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said the Act will deliver significant benefits by creating a trusted and interoperable digital identity ecosystem that enables seamless access to services across both public and private sectors while strengthening electronic trust in Nigeria’s digital economy.

According to the minister, Nigerians — including those in the diaspora — can expect wider and more convenient access to identity services, stronger protection of personal data and privacy, enhanced cybersecurity and greater confidence in digital transactions, faster and more secure identity verification, and a stronger foundation for the country’s digital economy, governance, and long-term development.

Tunji-Ojo also described the development as a landmark achievement that renews public trust in the Tinubu administration’s commitment to building a one trillion dollar economy.