Dr. Michael Nwoko, Chief of Staff to Senator Ned Nwoko, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, describing the legislation as a landmark reform that will strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem, improve governance, enhance national security, and accelerate economic growth.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Dr. Nwoko said the President’s assent to the Act demonstrates visionary leadership and a firm commitment to building a modern, technology-driven Nigeria capable of competing effectively in the global digital economy.
According to him, the enactment of the NIMC Act 2026 marks the beginning of a new era in Nigeria’s identity management system, replacing an outdated legal framework that had served the country for nearly two decades with a more robust, secure and inclusive digital identity architecture.
“The signing of the NIMC Act 2026 is a bold and commendable step towards deepening Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once again demonstrated his resolve to implement reforms that will improve governance, drive economic development and strengthen public confidence in government institutions,” Dr. Nwoko stated.
He noted that one of the greatest achievements of the new law is the positioning of the National Identity Management Commission as the foundation of Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure and National Public Key Infrastructure, thereby creating a trusted system for secure digital identities, digital signatures, electronic transactions and seamless service delivery.
Dr. Nwoko further praised the provisions of the Act that significantly strengthen the protection of citizens’ personal data by ensuring that personal information cannot be accessed, processed or shared without lawful authority, consent or due process.
“This legislation reinforces Nigerians’ right to privacy while promoting responsible data governance. In today’s digital world, protecting citizens’ information is just as important as protecting national assets,” he said.
He also highlighted the expanded role of the National Identification Number (NIN), noting that it would become the primary gateway for accessing essential services including passport applications, voter registration, banking services, telecommunications, pensions, insurance, tax administration, land transactions, consumer credit and various government programmes.
According to Dr. Nwoko, the implementation of the “One Person, One Identity, One Number” policy will significantly reduce identity fraud, eliminate multiple registrations, improve transparency in public service delivery and support effective national planning.
He equally commended President Tinubu for ensuring that the law promotes inclusiveness by extending identity services to vulnerable citizens, underserved communities and Nigerians in the Diaspora.
“No Nigerian should be denied access to opportunities because they lack a trusted means of identification. The President’s commitment to ensuring inclusion for every Nigerian is highly commendable and reflects the true essence of national development,” he added.
Dr. Nwoko also welcomed the stronger governance framework introduced by the Act, including expanded representation on the NIMC Board, improved institutional accountability and stiffer penalties for identity theft, multiple registration, unauthorised access to identity records and other related offences.
He observed that these provisions would strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s identity management system while providing stronger legal safeguards against identity-related crimes.
While congratulating President Tinubu, the National Assembly, the Honourable Minister of Interior, the management of NIMC and other stakeholders involved in the passage of the legislation, Dr. Nwoko described the Act as one of the most significant digital governance reforms in Nigeria’s recent history.
He expressed confidence that the NIMC Act 2026 would promote financial inclusion, improve ease of doing business, enhance national security, increase transparency in government service delivery and position Nigeria for sustainable economic growth.
Dr. Nwoko urged all stakeholders to support the effective implementation of the Act to ensure that every Nigerian benefits from a secure, trusted and inclusive national identity system.
He reaffirmed that the legislation aligns perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration and represents another important milestone in the country’s journey towards a digitally empowered, prosperous and globally competitive Nigeria.
