Why FG Introduced New Digital ID Law as NIN Enrolment Hits 136 Million
By Aboki Forex —
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to implement the newly signed National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026, which establishes the National Identification Number (NIN) as Nigeria's sole recognised means of identification. The reform is expected to strengthen the country's digital identity ecosystem, improve governance, eliminate multiple identity databases and support more efficient public service delivery through a secure and unified national identity system.
Speaking during a strategic meeting with the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Dr Abisoye Odusote, in Abuja on Monday, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, described the legislation as a major milestone in Nigeria's digital transformation agenda.
New Legal Framework for Identity Management
According to the minister, the new Act provides a stronger legal foundation for building a secure, trusted and inclusive identity management system capable of supporting national planning, economic growth and evidence-based policymaking. Bagudu said the law reflects the Federal Government's determination to create a modern identity infrastructure that will simplify interactions between citizens and government institutions while improving accountability across the public sector.
The minister reiterated that the National Identification Number should become the universally accepted means of identification for every Nigerian. He called for stronger collaboration among federal, state and local governments to eliminate fragmented identity databases and fully integrate identity management around the NIN.
According to him, adopting a single national identity will reduce duplication, improve verification processes and make it easier for citizens to access government services. He added that a comprehensive national identity database would provide accurate demographic and socio-economic information needed for better development planning, efficient allocation of public resources and improved service delivery nationwide.
Data Protection and Public Confidence
Bagudu stressed that the expansion of Nigeria's digital identity system must be accompanied by stronger safeguards for citizens' personal information. He emphasised the importance of robust data protection measures, enhanced cybersecurity and strict privacy standards to maintain public confidence as digital identity adoption grows. The minister noted that protecting sensitive personal data remains a critical component of the government's broader digital transformation strategy.
Earlier, NIMC Director-General, Dr Abisoye Odusote, explained that the NIMC Act 2026 repeals the National Identity Management Commission Act of 2007 and introduces a more comprehensive legal framework for identity management in Nigeria. She said the legislation officially establishes the National Identification Number as the country's foundational identity credential under the 'One Person, One Identity' policy, according to a report by Arise TV.
According to Odusote, the new law also introduces stronger provisions for digital identity infrastructure, identity verification, data protection and interoperability between government agencies.
NIN Enrolment Surpasses 136 Million
Legit.ng earlier reported that NIMC has announced that enrolment for the National Identification Number (NIN) has reached 136 million, as the federal government steps up efforts to make the NIN Nigeria's single official identity system. The latest figure was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday, July 7, signed by the Head of Corporate Communications, NIMC, Kayode Adegoke. The new total, according to the Director-General of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, shows that more than 12 million additional people have enrolled since October 2025, when NIMC's last published data put enrolment at 123.9 million.
With the implementation of the new legislation, the Federal Government expects Nigeria's identity management system to become more efficient, secure, and globally competitive, while supporting digital governance, financial inclusion, and easier access to public and private sector services.
For Nigerian businesses and consumers, the move toward a single digital identity could reduce the cost and complexity of identity verification, while stronger data protection rules may boost trust in digital transactions. However, the success of the system will depend on how well the government enforces privacy standards and integrates fragmented databases across agencies.