Tinubu Signs NIMC Act 2026 Into Law As FG Links Identity Database To Boko Haram, ISWAP Commanders’ Arrest

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday signed the 2026 National Identity Management Commission Act into law, introducing a new legal framework aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity system, enhancing national security and improving access to government services.

The signing ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu and House Leader Julius Ihonvbere among top government officials in attendance.

Also present were the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; World Bank representative, Taimur Samad; and the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission, Dr Abisoye Coker-Odusote.

Speaking at the event, Tunji-Ojo described the legislation as a landmark reform that would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s internal security architecture.

The minister disclosed that Nigeria’s integrated identity management system recently enabled security agencies to arrest seven suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders returning from the Holy Pilgrimage.

According to him, the suspects were apprehended at Katsina Airport last Thursday and subsequently handed over to the Department of State Services.

“Let me sincerely thank Mr President. The last time we had a NIMC programme, I referred to Mr President as the Grand Innovator of the Federal Republic. I wasn’t kidding. With this law, our security architecture can be enhanced,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo explained that before the current administration, Nigeria operated fragmented identity databases, with passport issuance, driver’s licences and other government records disconnected from the National Identity Number system.

“When Mr President came on board, we had a disconnected system within our identity data management system. At that time, getting a passport and getting a driving permit were completely disconnected from our identity database. But today, you can’t get a Nigerian passport without pulling data from NIMC,” he stated.

He added that the integration of the NIMC database with immigration records and the Interpol 24/7 network had significantly strengthened border security.

“What you have in immigration is what you have in the NIMC database… I’m happy to tell you that even last week, Thursday, seven of the known commanders of Boko Haram and ISWAP at the point of coming back from Mecca were arrested in Katsina at the airport and were handed over to the DSS.

“This is only possible because NIMC’s ID is already connected with the immigration database, and it’s already speaking to even the Interpol 24/7, and we have been able to automate this,” the minister added.

According to Tunji-Ojo, the new legislation will accelerate the harmonisation of government identity databases, reinforce the integrity of the National Identity Number system, improve inter-agency collaboration and enhance Nigeria’s ability to combat identity theft, terrorism, financial crimes and other security threats.

Senate President Akpabio described the presidential assent as another demonstration of the National Assembly’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s evolving security and developmental challenges through legislation.

He expressed confidence that the Act would strengthen public trust in Nigeria’s identity management system and align with President Tinubu’s broader reform agenda.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu also described the new law as a transformative reform capable of improving governance, promoting accountability and supporting national development through a credible identity management framework.

“The world is aware that the NIMC Act of 2007 was obsolete… Today marks a historic milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation. It reflects the Federal Government’s bold commitment to building a robust, trusted and inclusive identity ecosystem,” Kalu said.

In her remarks, NIMC Director-General Dr Abisoye Coker-Odusote said the Commission would work closely with government institutions, development partners and the private sector to implement the provisions of the new law.

She described the legislation as a significant step towards building a world-class digital identity system capable of supporting seamless access to both public and private sector services.

“Mr President, your visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to digital transformation have once again positioned Nigeria for a future driven by innovation, trust and inclusion.

“This landmark legislation is not just an amendment to an existing law; it is a bold leap into the future,” she said.

According to the NIMC boss, the Act modernises Nigeria’s legal framework for identity management after nearly two decades and reinforces the National Identification Number as the country’s central identity verification and authentication platform.