New NIMC Law Signed As Integrated Database Leads To Arrest Of Seven Boko Haram, ISWAP Commanders

• Interior Minister says integrated databases aided arrest of suspected terrorists returning from pilgrimage

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the 2026 National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act into law, ushering in a new era for Nigeria’s identity management system, national security architecture and digital transformation drive.

The landmark legislation, signed on Friday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, is expected to strengthen the National Identification Number (NIN) framework, improve public service delivery, enhance inter-agency collaboration and provide a more effective tool for tackling identity fraud, terrorism and other security threats.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by key government officials, including the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere; Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; World Bank representative, Taimur Samad; and the Director-General of NIMC, Dr Abisoye Coker-Odusote.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Interior, Dr Tunji-Ojo, described the new law as a major milestone in the Federal Government’s reforms to modernise Nigeria’s security and identity management systems.

He disclosed that the integration of government databases had already yielded security gains, revealing that seven suspected commanders of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were recently arrested at an airport in Katsina while returning from the Holy pilgrimage.

According to the minister, the arrests were made possible through the connection between the NIMC database, immigration records and international security platforms.
“Seven of the known commanders of Boko Haram and ISWAP, at the point of coming back from Mecca, were arrested in Katsina at the airport and handed over to the DSS,” Tunji-Ojo said.

He explained that the development was a direct result of efforts by the administration to address the fragmented identity management system inherited by the government.
“When Mr President came on board, we had a disconnected system within our identity data management system. Getting a passport and getting a driving permit were completely disconnected from our identity database. But today, you cannot get a Nigerian passport without pulling data from NIMC,” he said.

The minister added that the improved system had also enhanced border control and strengthened Nigeria’s ability to detect and prevent security threats.
“What you have in immigration is what you have in the NIMC database. The NIMC ID is already connected with the immigration database and is speaking with Interpol 24/7. We have been able to automate this process,” he stated.

The new NIMC Act provides a modern legal framework for managing Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem, reinforcing the NIN as the central platform for identity verification and authentication across government and private-sector services.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, welcomed the presidential assent, describing the legislation as a reflection of the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting laws that address Nigeria’s security and developmental challenges.

Akpabio said the Act would boost public confidence in the country’s identity management architecture and aligned with President Tinubu’s reform agenda.

Also speaking, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu described the new law as a transformative step that would promote accountability, improve governance and support economic development.

He noted that the previous NIMC Act of 2007 had become outdated due to rapid technological changes and the evolving needs of modern governance.
“The world is aware that the NIMC Act of 2007 was obsolete. Today marks a historic milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation,” Kalu said.

The NIMC Director-General, Dr Abisoye Coker-Odusote, said the new legislation would position Nigeria for a future driven by innovation, trust and inclusion.

She described the Act as more than an amendment, saying it represents a comprehensive framework for building a trusted digital identity system capable of supporting seamless access to government and private services.
“For 19 years, the legal framework governing Nigeria’s identity management system remained unchanged while the digital landscape evolved rapidly. Today, that gap has been closed,” she said.

With the signing of the NIMC Act 2026, the Federal Government said Nigeria’s identity management system would become a stronger pillar for national security, economic development and digital inclusion.