Tinubu Signs NIMC Act 2026 Into Law As FG Says Identity Database Aided Arrest Of Boko Haram, ISWAP Commanders

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, introducing a comprehensive legal framework designed to strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem, enhance national security and improve access to public services.

According to Ireporter Online, the presidential assent was witnessed at the Presidential Villa in Abuja by several top government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, 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 NIMC Director-General Dr Abisoye Coker-Odusote.

Speaking during the event, Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo described the new legislation as a major milestone in Nigeria’s security reforms, noting that it would significantly improve the country’s identity management framework and strengthen internal security.

He revealed that the integrated national identity system recently played a key role in the arrest of seven suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders who were intercepted while returning from the Holy Pilgrimage. According to the minister, the suspects were apprehended at Katsina Airport last Thursday before being handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS).

Tunji-Ojo commended President Tinubu for championing reforms that have transformed Nigeria’s previously fragmented identity management structure into a more connected system. He explained that before the current administration, critical databases such as passport records, driver’s licences and other government identity platforms operated independently of the National Identity Number (NIN) database.

He stated that under the new framework, services such as passport issuance now rely directly on information stored within the NIMC database, creating a unified identity verification process across government agencies.

The minister further disclosed that linking the NIMC database with immigration records and the Interpol 24/7 network has strengthened border security and improved the ability of security agencies to identify and apprehend criminal suspects.

According to him, the new law will fast-track the harmonisation of identity databases across government institutions, reinforce the integrity of the National Identity Number system, improve collaboration among agencies and enhance Nigeria’s capacity to tackle identity theft, terrorism, financial crimes and other security threats.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the presidential assent as another demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing emerging security and developmental challenges through legislation. He expressed optimism that the Act would strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s identity management system while supporting the administration’s ongoing reform agenda.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu also hailed the legislation as a transformative step that would improve governance, promote transparency and strengthen accountability through a more reliable national identity framework. He noted that the previous NIMC Act enacted in 2007 had become outdated and said the new law marks a historic phase in Nigeria’s digital transformation.

In her remarks, NIMC Director-General Dr Abisoye Coker-Odusote assured that the commission would collaborate with government agencies, development partners and the private sector to ensure the effective implementation of the Act. She described the legislation as a bold reform that modernises Nigeria’s legal framework for identity management after nearly two decades while reinforcing the National Identification Number as the country’s central identity verification and authentication platform.

Coker-Odusote also praised President Tinubu’s commitment to digital transformation, saying the new law positions Nigeria for a future built on innovation, trust, inclusion and efficient service delivery across both public and private sectors.