Nigeria TV Info Five-Year Jail Term, Tougher Fines Among Major Highlights of NIMC Act 2026

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, replacing the 2007 legislation and introducing stricter penalties for identity-related offences while strengthening Nigeria's digital identity framework. The new law is aimed at improving national security, reducing identity fraud, enhancing cybersecurity, and supporting the country's digital economy.

One of the most notable provisions is the introduction of a minimum five-year prison sentence for offences such as unauthorised access to identity data, multiple National Identification Number (NIN) registrations, identity theft, impersonation, and other fraudulent identity-related activities. Corporate organisations found guilty of violating the law may also face fines of up to ₦20 million, reflecting a significant increase in sanctions designed to deter abuse of Nigeria's identity management system.

The Act further establishes NIMC as Nigeria's trusted authority for digital identity authentication, public key infrastructure, and electronic trust services. It seeks to harmonise identity databases across government agencies, improve verification processes, and strengthen collaboration in tackling terrorism, financial crimes, cybercrime, and other security threats. Officials say the reforms will also make it easier for citizens to access government and private-sector services securely.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the integrated identity database has already assisted security agencies in identifying and arresting suspected terrorists, demonstrating the growing importance of a unified digital identity system in protecting national security.