Tinubu Signs NIMC Act 2026 Into Law as Minister Reveals Arrest of Boko Haram, ISWAP Commanders Using NIN Database
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, a landmark reform designed to modernize Nigeria’s identity management system, strengthen national security, and accelerate digital transformation.
The signing at the State House, Abuja, was witnessed by top government officials, lawmakers, and development partners, including the World Bank.
Highlighting the impact of the new law, Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo revealed that the NIMC database was recently used to arrest seven Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders returning from pilgrimage in Katsina. He noted that the integration of NIMC with immigration and Interpol systems has already enhanced border control and security operations.
Tinubu Signs NIMC Act 2026 Into Law as Minister Reveals Arrest of Boko Haram, ISWAP Commanders Using NIN Database
The Act harmonizes identity databases, reinforces the National Identification Number (NIN) as the cornerstone of verification, and introduces innovations to combat terrorism, financial crimes, and identity theft. Lawmakers hailed the legislation as a transformative step toward building a trusted, inclusive identity ecosystem.
NIMC Director-General Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote described the law as a “bold leap into the future,” closing a 19-year gap in Nigeria’s identity framework and positioning the country for a digitally driven economy.
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