Amanze Chinonye
President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, introducing a new legal framework expected to strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity system, enhance the protection of citizens’ personal data and expand access to secure identity services across the country, Prime Business Africa reports.
The new legislation repeals and replaces the NIMC Act of 2007, marking a significant overhaul of Nigeria’s identity management architecture as the Federal Government pushes to deepen digital governance, improve service delivery and support the country’s growing digital economy.
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A major highlight of the new law is the introduction of stronger safeguards for the collection, storage and processing of personal data. The Act aligns Nigeria’s identity management framework with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) and international privacy standards, offering citizens greater protection against data misuse.
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The legislation also designates the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) as Nigeria’s root certification authority for the National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), making it the country’s central authority for secure digital identity, authentication and electronic trust services.
In another key provision, the Act empowers NIMC to facilitate secure and interoperable data exchange among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), private sector organisations and other authorised institutions, a move expected to reduce duplication, improve efficiency and simplify access to government services.
The law further establishes the NIMC General Multipurpose Card as a nationally recognised identity credential under the “One Card, Multiple Possibilities” initiative, allowing a single identity card to support multiple verification and service functions.
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For Nigerians, the reforms are expected to translate into faster and more secure identity verification, stronger protection of personal information, easier access to public and private sector services, enhanced cybersecurity and greater confidence in digital transactions.
The Federal Government said Nigerians living in the diaspora would also benefit from expanded access to identity services under the new framework.
Officials said the legislation provides a stronger foundation for digital governance, financial inclusion and long-term economic growth, while supporting the Tinubu administration’s broader drive to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
