FG pushes full implementation of new NIMC Act, adopts NIN as sole National Identity

 The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the
full implementation of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC, Act
2026, a move aimed at making the National Identification Number (NIN) Nigeria’s
single recognised means of identification.

 

Speaking during a strategic meeting with NIMC
Director-General, Dr Abisoye Odusote, in Abuja on Monday, Minister of Budget
and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu described the new legislation as a major
reform that will strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity system, improve
governance, and support evidence based policymaking.

Bagudu noted that it provides a stronger legal framework for
a secure, trusted and inclusive national identity system.

He stressed that the success of the law would depend on
effective implementation and its ability to deliver tangible benefits to
citizens.

The minister called for greater collaboration among federal,
state and local governments to eliminate multiple identity databases and build
confidence in the country’s identity management framework.

He maintained that the NIN should become the nation’s
universally accepted means of identification to improve public service delivery
and governance.

According to him, “a comprehensive national identity
database would provide accurate demographic and socio-economic data needed for
development planning, efficient resource allocation and service delivery at all
levels of government”.

He also emphasised the importance of data privacy,
cybersecurity and stronger safeguards as Nigeria expands its digital identity
ecosystem.

Earlier, NIMC Director General Abisoye Odusote explained
that the new Act repeals the 2007 legislation, establishes the NIN as the
foundational identifier under the “one person, one identity” policy, and
introduces stronger data protection and digital infrastructure provisions.

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