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I have today signed the NIMC Act 2026 into law.
For nearly twenty years, Nigeria’s identity system operated under a law written for a different era. That era is over.
This new Act gives our nation a modern, secure and digital identity framework fit for the Nigeria we are building, a Nigeria on the path to becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy.
This law makes NIMC the Root Certification Authority for Nigeria’s National Public Key Infrastructure and Digital Public Infrastructure. With this, NIMC now holds the keys to trust in our digital economy: every digital signature, every secure transaction, and every verified identity.
This is how serious nations build digital economies, and we are building one for Nigeria.
I will not allow the data of Nigerians to be treated carelessly.
This Act aligns our identity system with the Nigerian Data Protection Act. The act expressly says your personal information cannot be accessed without your consent. It cannot be used beyond the purpose for which you gave it, and any access must go through proper legal channels.
This is your right as a Nigerian, and this law protects it.
Your National Identification Number will now be required for passports, voter registration, bank accounts, land transactions, telecoms, pensions, insurance, tax payments, consumer credit and all government services.
One person. One identity. One number.
The NIMC Act 2026 also introduces the General Multipurpose Card. One Card, Multiple Possibilities. A single, versatile identity credential for verification across every sector of our national life.
I gave specific instructions that this law must protect the most vulnerable among us. I'm proud to say that it does.
The Act creates an Identifier system for vulnerable persons, including those without permanent residences, and mandates special measures to bring underserved Nigerians into the identity system. It expands financial and social inclusion by connecting every Nigerian to the digital economy through a trusted identity.
And for our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora, this Act guarantees wider, easier and more convenient access to identity services wherever you are in the world. You are not forgotten. You are part of this Nigeria.
To strengthen governance, the Act reconstitutes NIMC’s Governing Board with representation from 14 key government agencies including INEC, NHIS, FRSC, NRS, PENCOM, Nigeria Police Force, NIS, the Office of the National Security Adviser, National Population Commission, CBN, DSS, EFCC, Chief of Defence Staff and the Corporate Affairs Commission.
The Chairman must have at least 15 years’ cognate experience. Commissioners, at least 10. And for the first time, the Chairman and five Commissioners must each represent one of our six geo-political zones. This is accountability, federal character, and how we govern.
And for those who think they can exploit the system, those who forge identities, register multiple times, or steal the identities of others, hear me clearly.
Penalties have been increased by up to 100 times. Fines of up to ₦20 million for corporate bodies. Minimum five years’ imprisonment for unauthorised access, multiple registration and impersonation. The Commission now has court-authorised powers to investigate, search, seize evidence, decrypt data and arrest offenders.
There will be no tolerance for it.
I must commend the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Joint Committee on Identity and National Population Commission, and the distinguished members of the National Assembly for their invaluable contributions to the passage of this landmark legislation.
I also acknowledge the Honourable Minister of the Interior, our development partners including Identity for Development (ID4D), the management and staff of NIMC, and all Nigerians whose support made this historic achievement possible.
Together, we are building a more secure, inclusive and prosperous Nigeria.
This is the Renewed Hope Agenda at work.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
PRESIDENT
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