Nigeria Replaces 2007 Identity Law With Sweeping Digital Identity Reform
Nigeria Introduces New Legal Framework for Digital Identity
NIGERIA has ushered in a new era of identity management following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assent to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026, repealing the nearly two-decade-old NIMC Act of 2007.
The new legislation is designed to modernise Nigeria’s identity management system in response to rapid technological advancements, expanding digital services, increasing cybersecurity threats, and the growing need for secure electronic identity verification.
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) said the previous legal framework, enacted in 2007, had become inadequate for today’s digital economy and no longer reflected the realities of electronic governance, online commerce and data protection requirements.
Why the 2007 Law Was Replaced
According to NIMC, the new Act was introduced to establish a stronger legal foundation for Nigeria’s expanding digital identity ecosystem.
The legislation empowers the Commission to serve as Nigeria’s Root Certification Authority, giving it oversight of the country’s National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). This enables NIMC to regulate digital identity verification, electronic authentication, encryption services, digital certificates and other trust services required for secure online transactions.
Officials said the reforms are expected to improve cybersecurity, strengthen confidence in digital transactions, reduce identity fraud and enhance service delivery across both government and private institutions.
Key Reforms Under the New Law
The NIMC Act 2026 reinforces the National Identification Number (NIN) as Nigeria’s primary identity credential under the “One Person, One Identity” policy.
The law also introduces stronger sanctions for offences such as identity theft, impersonation, multiple registrations and unauthorised access to identity information. In addition, both physical and digital identity credentials are formally recognised, with all identity records linked to an individual’s NIN.
Another significant provision expands access to identity registration for vulnerable and underserved populations, including individuals without permanent residences, with the objective of promoting inclusive national identity coverage.
Supporting Nigeria’s Digital Economy
The Commission said the legislation will facilitate faster identity verification, improve interoperability among government agencies and private organisations, strengthen financial inclusion and reduce barriers to accessing public services.
The reform also aligns Nigeria’s identity management system with international data protection standards while supporting the country’s broader digital transformation agenda and improving the ease of doing business.
NIMC further noted that updating the identity law was among the key requirements attached to Nigeria’s participation in the World Bank-supported Identity for Development (ID4D) programme, which seeks to expand national identity coverage across the country.
