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| Bola Tinubu assents to new NIMC Act |
Tinubu Signs 2026 NIMC Act Into Law, Says Integrated Identity System Aids Terror Suspects’ Arrest
President Bola Tinubu on Friday signed the 2026 National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act into law, introducing a new legal framework aimed at strengthening Nigeria's digital identity system, enhancing national security, and improving access to government services.
The signing ceremony, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, was attended by 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 Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Minister of Interior Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, World Bank representative Taimur Samad, and NIMC Director-General Dr Abisoye Coker-Odusote.
Speaking at the event, Tunji-Ojo described the legislation as a landmark reform that would significantly strengthen Nigeria's internal security architecture.
The minister revealed that the country's integrated identity management system recently enabled security agencies to arrest seven suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders who were returning from the Holy Pilgrimage.
According to him, the suspects were apprehended at Katsina Airport last Thursday and handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS).
"With this law, our security architecture can be enhanced," Tunji-Ojo said, thanking President Tinubu for driving reforms in the country's identity management system.
He explained that before the current administration, Nigeria operated fragmented identity databases, with passport issuance, driver's licences and other government records disconnected from the National Identity Number (NIN) system.
"When Mr President came on board, we had a disconnected system within our identity data management structure. Today, you cannot obtain a Nigerian passport without verification through the NIMC database," he said.
Tunji-Ojo added that the integration of the NIMC database with the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Interpol 24/7 network has significantly improved border security.
"This became possible because the NIMC identity database is now connected with the immigration system and linked to the Interpol 24/7 platform," he said, referring to the arrest of the terror suspects.
The minister noted that the new Act would accelerate the harmonisation of government identity databases, strengthen the integrity of the National Identity Number system, improve inter-agency collaboration, and enhance Nigeria's capacity to combat identity theft, terrorism, financial crimes and other security threats.
Senate President Akpabio described the presidential assent as another demonstration of the National Assembly's commitment to addressing the country's evolving security and development challenges through legislation.
He expressed confidence that the new law would strengthen public trust in Nigeria's identity management system and support the Tinubu administration's broader reform agenda.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu said the legislation marked a major milestone in Nigeria's digital transformation, noting that the 2007 NIMC Act had become outdated.
"Today marks a historic milestone in Nigeria's digital transformation. It reflects the Federal Government's bold commitment to building a robust, trusted and inclusive identity ecosystem," Kalu said.
In her remarks, NIMC Director-General Coker-Odusote said the Commission would work closely with government agencies, development partners and the private sector to ensure the effective implementation of the new law.
She described the legislation as a significant step towards building a world-class digital identity system capable of supporting seamless access to public and private sector services.
According to her, the Act modernises Nigeria's legal framework for identity management after nearly two decades and reinforces the National Identification Number as the country's central platform for identity verification and authentication.
"This landmark legislation is not just an amendment to an existing law; it is a bold leap into the future," she said.