BY SAM OTUONYE
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the successful implementation of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026, describing the legislation as a transformative milestone that will strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem and accelerate national planning and development.
Bagudu spoke during a strategic engagement with the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Dr Abisoye Odusote, in Abuja on Monday.
Commending the Director-General and the leadership of NIMC for securing passage of the landmark legislation after years of sustained effort, the minister noted that the Act provides a solid legal foundation for a trusted, secure, and inclusive national identity management system.
He stressed, however, that the true success of the legislation would depend on its effective implementation and on the tangible benefits it delivers to Nigerians.
He emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among federal, state and local governments to build confidence in the national identity system and eliminate duplication of identity databases across government institutions.
He said the National Identification Number (NIN) should serve as Nigeria’s single, universally accepted identity standard, supporting efficient service delivery and governance.
According to Bagudu, a comprehensive and reliable identity database will significantly enhance evidence-based policymaking, national planning, resource allocation and public service delivery by providing accurate demographic and socio-economic data down to the ward level.
He underscored the importance of robust data governance, privacy protection and cybersecurity as Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem continues to evolve.
Recognising the rapid advancement of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), the minister called on NIMC to remain proactive in developing policies and safeguards to protect citizens’ data and to ensure that Nigeria’s identity management framework remains resilient and future-ready.
Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, also congratulated NIMC on the successful enactment of the NIMC Act 2026, calling it a significant achievement after nearly two decades of legislative reform.
Odusote presented the new Act, explaining that it repeals and replaces the 2007 Act, modernises Nigeria’s digital identity number (NIN) as the foundational identifier under the “one person, one identity” policy, establishes NIMC as the root certificate authority for digital infrastructure, and introduces strict data protection and cybersecurity rules.
Key highlights of the Act include the elevated status of the NIN, robust data protection, digital public infrastructure, and the introduction of a general multi-purpose card.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the NIMC Act on 26 June 2026.
Speaking earlier on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Deborah Odoh, Mr Joseph Ikpeamaeze reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing the new law through sustained collaboration with all relevant stakeholders.
He noted that a credible and reliable national identity system is fundamental to effective resource allocation, social protection, demographic planning, monitoring national development outcomes, and evidence-based decision-making.
He assured participants that the Ministry would continue to work closely with NIMC and partner institutions to ensure the successful implementation of the Act and to achieve Nigeria’s broader national development objectives.
