Nigeria has a new identity framework, here are 3 things to know

This week, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the NIMC Act 2026, ushering in an updated identity framework for Nigerians, managed by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

The new act follows the NIMC Act of 2007, which has served the country for almost two decades and is well overdue for an upgrade. Tinubu signed the new act at the State House, Abuja, in the presence of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and the House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere.

The signing of the new act adds to a string of activities at the NIMC of late. The commission recently partnered with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to train 4,000 of its staff members in data protection and privacy.

The new NIMC Act 2026 introduced new dimensions to how Nigerians identify themselves and spelt out the benchmark for identity verification by organisations in the country. It elevated the National Identity Number (NIN) to a more authoritative status and the centre point of identity verification in Nigeria. Here are 5 things to note.

NIMC is now Nigeria’s Trusted Authority on Identity Verification and Management

The new NIMC Act 2026 confirmed the National Identity Management Commission as the trusted authority in handling Nigeria’s identity framework. The commission, its flagship product, the NIN, and its parent commission, NIMC, were established nearly two decades ago to complement other identity management systems in the country.

The 2026 Act places the NIMC as the Root Certification Authority for the country’s key National Public Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). The act also provides additional legal backing for Nigerians’ personal information, in alignment with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA).

The NIN Assumes Multipurpose Status

The new act stated that the National Identity Number (NIN) will be used across the board by different organisations and agencies for various identification purposes. Under the new act, Nigerians will be expected to present their NIN during passport applications, Voter registration, Opening and Operating Bank accounts, Land transactions, Telecommunications Services, Pensions Insurance, Tax payments, Consumer Credit facilities, and virtually all government services.

The NIN surpasses other means of identification, such as the Voter’s card and utility bills, under the new act. The motive is to reduce ambiguity and consolidate identity management in Nigeria under one means of identification.

Other related goals are to improve inclusion and bring on board Nigerians in underserved areas as the country advances towards a digital economy.

Stiffer Penalties for Identity Crimes

The new NIMC Act stipulates stiffer penalties for organisations or individuals that commit identity-related crimes. Offending citizens face a fine of up to N20 million. Offences such as unauthorised access to identity data, multiple enrolment, and identity impersonation now carry a minimum jail sentence of up to 5 years.

The NIMC is also authorised to take strict measures against individuals who flout the nation’s identity laws. The goal is to identify them and bring them to book through legal means. The NIMC recently updated Nigerians on key achievements as it seeks to improve Nigeria’s identity management framework for greater efficiency.

 It said it has expanded its storage capacity from 100 million to 250 million records. The expansion will support stronger, more accurate national coverage, with room for additional data for future enrollments. NIMC also says it has documented over 130 million people in its database. This leaves roughly 40% of the country’s population still undocumented.

With the new act signed by President Tinubu, the NIMC will be better positioned to navigate Nigeria’s identity management. It will also continue its mission to prepare the country for a fully digital world, in tune with the times.

Last updated: June 30, 2026