The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has explained why the newly signed National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 is a landmark reform, saying it will significantly improve security, protect citizens’ personal data and expand access to digital services across Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu recently assented to the NIMC Act 2026, repealing the 2007 law and establishing a modern legal framework to support the country’s growing digital economy.
According to Tunji-Ojo, the new legislation creates a trusted, secure and interoperable digital identity ecosystem that will enable Nigerians to access government and private sector services more seamlessly while strengthening electronic trust nationwide.
The minister said Nigerians, including those living in the diaspora, will benefit from easier access to identity services, stronger protection of personal data and privacy, enhanced cybersecurity, and faster, safer identity verification and authentication.
He explained that the Act 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 and electronic trust services.
Tunji-Ojo noted that the legislation also empowers NIMC to facilitate secure and seamless data exchange among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), financial institutions and other authorised organisations, thereby improving service delivery and reducing identity fraud.
He described the Act as a major step towards strengthening national security, accelerating digital transformation and laying a solid foundation for Nigeria’s ambition of building a one-trillion-dollar economy.
The minister maintained that the reform reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to creating a secure, inclusive and digitally empowered nation through a modern identity management system aligned with global best practices.
