The 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.
Senator Bagudu made the remarks 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 the passage of the landmark legislation after years of sustained effort, the minister said the Act provides a solid legal foundation for a trusted, secure and inclusive national identity management system.
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He stressed, however, that the true success of the legislation would depend on its effective implementation and the tangible benefits it delivers to Nigerians.
Bagudu emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among the federal, state and local governments to build public confidence in the national identity system and eliminate the 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 good governance.
According to the minister, 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 also 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), Bagudu called on NIMC to remain proactive in developing policies and safeguards to protect citizens’ data, ensuring that Nigeria’s identity management framework remains resilient and future-ready.
The Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, also congratulated NIMC on the enactment of the NIMC Act 2026, describing it as a significant achievement after nearly two decades of legislative reform.
Odusote presented the new Act, explaining that it repeals and replaces the 2007 Act, establishes the National Identification Number (NIN) as the foundation of the “One Person, One Identity” policy, designates NIMC as the root certificate authority for Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, and introduces stronger data protection and cybersecurity provisions.
She added that the Act enhances the status of the NIN, strengthens data protection measures, supports digital public infrastructure, and provides for the introduction of a general-purpose multipurpose card.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the NIMC Act into law on 26 June 2026.
Earlier, speaking 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 essential for effective resource allocation, social protection, demographic planning, monitoring national development outcomes and evidence-based decision-making.
Ikpeamaeze assured stakeholders that the Ministry would continue to work closely with NIMC and partner institutions to ensure the successful implementation of the Act and achieve Nigeria’s broader national development objectives.
