By By Elizabeth Ugbo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law at the State House in Abuja. The law aims to modernise Nigeria’s identity management system, strengthen national security, improve public service delivery, and support the digital economy. During the signing ceremony, Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo disclosed that security agencies recently arrested seven suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders at Katsina Airport after they returned from the Holy Pilgrimage. He said the arrests became possible because authorities integrated the NIMC database with immigration and international security systems.
Tinubu Says New Law Will Strengthen Identity Management
President Tinubu signed the Act in the presence of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, World Bank representative Taimur Samad, and NIMC Director-General Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote.
The legislation replaces the outdated 2007 law. It provides a modern legal framework for identity management and supports the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda.
Minister Reveals Arrest of Terrorists Through NIMC Database
Tunji-Ojo described the new Act as a major breakthrough for Nigeria’s security architecture. He said the government inherited disconnected identity systems that weakened security operations.
According to him, government agencies have now integrated the National Identity Number (NIN) database with passport services, immigration records, and global security platforms.
He explained that Nigerians can no longer obtain passports without identity verification through the NIMC database.
The minister also revealed that authorities arrested seven suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders last week at Katsina Airport as they returned from Mecca.
He said security officials identified and intercepted the suspects because the immigration database now communicates directly with the NIMC system and Interpol’s global network.
Tunji-Ojo added that stronger database integration will improve border security and help authorities combat terrorism, identity theft, and financial crimes.
Akpabio Commends Tinubu for Identity Reform
Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised President Tinubu for signing the legislation.
He said the National Assembly enacted the law to address Nigeria’s changing security and development challenges.
Akpabio expressed confidence that the Act will improve public trust in Nigeria’s identity management system.
He also described the legislation as another milestone in President Tinubu’s reform agenda.
Benjamin Kalu Describes Law as Transformational
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu said the former NIMC Act had become obsolete after nearly two decades.
He noted that stakeholders had awaited an updated legal framework that reflects today’s digital realities.
Kalu added that the new law demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to building a trusted and inclusive identity ecosystem.
He said the legislation will improve governance, promote accountability, and strengthen national development.
NIMC Pledges Full Implementation
NIMC Director-General Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote welcomed the new law and thanked President Tinubu for supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation.
She said the Act closes a 19-year legal gap and establishes a stronger framework for digital identity management.
According to her, the legislation reinforces the National Identification Number (NIN) as Nigeria’s primary identity verification tool.
She added that NIMC will work closely with government agencies, development partners, and the private sector to implement the law and deliver a world-class digital identity system.
