Tinubu Signs New NIMC Act Into Law
According to reports on Friday, June 26, 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law the repealed and re-enacted National Identity Management Commission Act, 2026, marking a significant step in strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity and national security framework.
The signing ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja and was attended by Godswill Akpabio and other top government officials.
The newly amended law gives the National Identity Management Commission expanded powers to harmonise identity records, synchronise government databases, and improve interoperability across public institutions.
Speaking with journalists after the ceremony, Senate President Akpabio said the integration of the NIMC database with the Ministry of Interior’s digital platforms has already produced tangible security benefits.
According to him, the system recently enabled security agencies to identify and arrest suspected terrorist operatives immediately after they arrived 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 brought out that these are criminals, and they arrested them,” Akpabio said.
The new legislation is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity infrastructure, enhance coordination among government agencies, and improve the country’s ability to combat crime and security threats through integrated data systems.
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