President Tinubu Signs NIMC Act 2026 into Law, Says Digital Identity System Has Helped Arrest Terrorists

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, replacing the 2007 legislation with a modern legal framework designed to strengthen Nigeria's digital identity system, improve national security, and enhance access to government services.

The signing ceremony took place at the State House in Abuja and was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, NIMC Director-General Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, and other senior government officials.

One of the major revelations during the event came from the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who disclosed that Nigeria's integrated identity database recently played a key role in the arrest of seven Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders returning from the Holy Pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

According to the minister, the suspects were intercepted at Katsina Airport and handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS), demonstrating how the harmonised identity management system has strengthened border security and intelligence gathering.

Tunji-Ojo explained that prior to the current reforms, Nigeria operated fragmented databases where passport issuance, immigration records, and national identity records were disconnected. He noted that the new NIMC Act legally strengthens the integration of these systems, making identity verification more efficient across government agencies.

The minister added that the legislation will improve collaboration between security agencies, combat identity theft, financial crimes, terrorism financing, and other emerging security threats while accelerating Nigeria's digital transformation.

President Tinubu described the new law as another milestone in his administration's digital reform agenda aimed at building a trusted, inclusive and technology-driven identity ecosystem capable of supporting governance, economic growth and public service delivery.

NIMC Director-General Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote said the Commission will immediately begin implementing the Act in collaboration with relevant government institutions, development partners and the private sector to deliver a world-class digital identity infrastructure for Nigerians.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed the presidential assent, describing the legislation as evidence of the National Assembly's commitment to updating laws that address Nigeria's evolving security and developmental needs.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu also praised the President, stating that the new law would improve governance, strengthen accountability and provide a credible national identity architecture for future generations.