BY NGOZI ONYEAKUSI

*Tinubu

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for signing the NIMC Act 2026 into law, describing it as a landmark reform that will strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem.
In a statement signed by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, the Commission said the new legislation provides a stronger legal foundation for Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure by designating NIMC as the Root Certification Authority for the National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure.
According to the Commission, the Act will enhance the protection of citizens’ data, strengthen cybersecurity, establish trusted digital identity and authentication services, facilitate secure and interoperable data exchange across government and private-sector platforms, improve access to essential services, and support the Federal Government’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy.
NIMC also commended the leadership of the National Assembly, including the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Joint Committee on Identity and National Population Commission, and members of both chambers for their roles in the passage of the legislation.
The Commission further acknowledged the contributions of the Minister of the Interior, development partners such as Identity for Development (ID4D), stakeholders, the management and staff of NIMC, and Nigerians whose support made the achievement possible.
Describing the legislation as the most significant reform of Nigeria’s identity management legal framework since the Commission’s establishment, NIMC said the Act reinforces the country’s commitment to building a secure, trusted, inclusive and interoperable digital identity ecosystem capable of driving national development, economic growth, digital innovation and improved governance.
The Commission added that it would, in due course, issue the necessary regulations, guidelines and other subsidiary instruments required to implement the provisions of the Act. It also pledged to continue engaging government institutions, the private sector, development partners and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to the new legal framework and align Nigeria’s identity management ecosystem with international best practices.