President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, introducing tougher penalties for identity-related offences and strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity system.
One of the major provisions of the new law is a five-year prison sentence for anyone found guilty of identity fraud, identity theft, or the unlawful use of another person’s National Identification Number (NIN) or personal data. Offenders may also face heavy fines, depending on the nature of the offence.
The Act is aimed at improving the security, integrity, and management of Nigeria’s national identity database while promoting the use of digital identity across both public and private sectors.
Among the key highlights of the new law are:
- Stricter punishment for identity theft, impersonation, and other identity-related crimes.
- Stronger legal protection for citizens’ personal data and biometric information.
- Enhanced powers for the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to regulate and manage the national identity database.
- Improved digital identity framework to support government services, financial inclusion, and secure digital transactions.
- Increased collaboration between NIMC and other government agencies to improve identity verification and reduce fraud.
The Federal Government says the new legislation is expected to strengthen national security, curb identity-related crimes, and accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a more secure and efficient digital economy.
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