Key Provisions of NIMC Act 2026 Include Five-Year Prison Sentence

President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission Act 2026 into law, citing its introduction of stricter penalties for identity-related offences and establishment of a comprehensive digital identity framework for all Nigerians. This new legislation replaces a nearly 20-year-old framework with a modern, secure, and fully digital identity infrastructure.

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The President highlighted that the Act positions Nigeria's identity management system to support the country's ambition to become a $1 trillion economy, as stated in a statement issued via his verified X account.

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According to Tinubu, the era of operating under a law written for a different era is over, as he noted that the Act designates the National Identity Management Commission as the Root Certification Authority for Nigeria's National Public Key Infrastructure and Digital Public Infrastructure.

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With this designation, NIMC now holds the keys to trust in the digital economy, encompassing every digital signature, secure transaction, and verified identity, as stated by the President.

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The Act strengthens the protection of Nigerians' personal data by aligning the country's identity management system with the Nigerian Data Protection Act, which ensures that personal information cannot be accessed without consent.

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Tinubu emphasized that the law protects Nigerians' rights by mandating that any access to personal information must go through proper legal channels, and that information cannot be used beyond the purpose for which it was given.

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The National Identification Number will now be required for various public and private transactions, including passport applications, voter registration, bank accounts, land transactions, telecommunications services, pensions, insurance, tax payments, consumer credit, and access to government services.

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Tinubu introduced the concept of "One person, One identity, One number," signifying the unified approach to identity management in Nigeria.

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The President also announced the introduction of the General Multipurpose Card, which serves as a single, versatile identity credential for verification across every sector of national life, with the motto "One Card, Multiple Possibilities."

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The Act provides special measures to ensure vulnerable and underserved Nigerians are enrolled in the national identity system, as instructed by the President to protect the most vulnerable citizens.

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The legislation creates an Identifier system for vulnerable persons, including those without permanent residences, and mandates special measures to bring underserved Nigerians into the identity system, thereby expanding financial and social inclusion.

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The Act also guarantees wider, easier, and more convenient access to identity services for Nigerians in the Diaspora, as stated by the President, who assured them that they are not forgotten and are part of the Nigerian community.

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According to Tinubu, the legislation reconstitutes NIMC's Governing Board with representatives from 14 key government agencies, including the Independent National Electoral Commission, Nigeria Police Force, and the Office of the National Security Adviser.

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The new law introduces stiffer sanctions against identity fraud and related offences, with penalties increased by up to 100 times, including fines of up to ₦20 million for corporate bodies and minimum five years' imprisonment for unauthorised access, multiple registration, and impersonation.

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The commission now has court-authorised powers to investigate offences, conduct searches, seize evidence, decrypt data, and arrest suspects, as stated by the President, who warned that there will be no tolerance for identity fraud.

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Tinubu commended the National Assembly, the Ministry of Interior, development partners, NIMC management and staff, and other stakeholders for their contributions to the passage of the legislation, citing that this is the Renewed Hope Agenda at work.