NEWS
President Tinubu Signs Re-Enacted NIMC Act 2026, Strengthens National Identity System and Security Operations
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law the repealed and re-enacted National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act, 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity management system, improving inter-agency collaboration, and enhancing national security.
The signing ceremony was held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, senior government officials, and other dignitaries.
The newly amended Act grants the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) expanded powers to harmonise identity records, synchronise government databases, and improve interoperability among public institutions. The legislation is expected to deepen digital governance, eliminate duplication of identity records, and facilitate more efficient service delivery across government agencies.
The development also underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging technology to combat crime, strengthen national security, and improve public administration through an integrated identity management framework.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the signing ceremony, Senate President Godswill Akpabio highlighted the immediate security benefits of integrating the NIMC database with the Ministry of Interior’s digital platforms.
According to him, the recently integrated system has already assisted security agencies in identifying and apprehending suspected terrorist operatives immediately upon their arrival in Nigeria.
“Just last week, we were able to apprehend terrorist chiefs who were coming in from Saudi Arabia, in Katsina, of all places. When they landed, they just put their names on the computer; it revealed that these were criminals, and they arrested them,” he said.
The enactment of the revised NIMC Act is widely seen as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing digital transformation agenda, providing a stronger legal framework for identity management while enhancing coordination among government institutions.
Analysts believe the reforms will improve data integrity, support national planning, strengthen security operations, and promote more efficient delivery of public service
s to Nigerians.