President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, replacing the nearly 20-year-old identity management framework with a more robust digital identity system.
Some of the major highlights of the new law include:
1. Five-Year Jail Term for Identity Offences
The Act introduces stricter penalties for identity-related crimes, including identity theft, impersonation, unauthorized data access, and falsification of identity records. Convicted offenders may face a minimum of five years imprisonment and substantial fines.
2. Stronger Data Protection
The legislation aligns Nigeria’s identity management framework with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, providing stronger safeguards for personal information.
3. Enhanced National Security
Government officials say the integrated identity database has improved intelligence gathering and helped security agencies identify criminal and terrorist suspects.
4. Digital Economy Support
The Act designates NIMC as the Root Certification Authority for Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem, supporting secure online transactions and digital services.
5. Stronger Anti-Fraud Measures
The law strengthens measures against multiple registrations, identity fraud, and impersonation while recognizing both physical and digital identity credentials.
Officials say the new Act will enhance public service delivery, financial inclusion, cybersecurity, and trust in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
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