• Bagudu: NIN should become country’s single, universally accepted means of identification
James Emejo in Abuja
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, yesterday declared that the newly enacted National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 would strengthen the country’s digital identity architecture and improve national planning through a more reliable and inclusive identity management system.
The minister also reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to ensuring the full implementation of the legislation, describing it as a major reform capable of transforming governance, public service delivery and evidence-based policymaking.
Bagudu spoke in Abuja during a strategic meeting with the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Dr. Abisoye Odusote.
He commended the NIMC leadership for securing the passage of the legislation after years of efforts, noting that the Act establishes a stronger legal framework for a secure, trusted and inclusive national identity system.
The minister, however, stressed that the impact of the legislation will ultimately depend on its effective implementation and the value it delivers to citizens.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s Director, Infomation and Public Relations, Mrs. Julie Osagie Jacobs, called for closer collaboration among the federal, state and local governments to eliminate multiple identity databases across public institutions and strengthen confidence in the country’s identity management framework.
Bagudu maintained that the National Identification Number (NIN) should become the country’s single, universally accepted means of identification to improve governance and public service delivery.
According to him, a comprehensive national identity database will provide accurate demographic and socio-economic information needed for evidence-based policymaking, efficient resource allocation, development planning and service delivery down to the ward level.
He also emphasised the need to strengthen data governance, privacy protection and cybersecurity as Nigeria expands its digital identity ecosystem.
With emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence reshaping the digital landscape, Bagudu urged NIMC to continually review its policies and safeguards to protect citizens’ data and ensure that the country’s identity management framework remains resilient.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, described the enactment of the NIMC Act 2026 as a landmark achievement following nearly 20 years of legislative reform.
Earlier, Odusote presented the new Act, explaining that it repeals and replaces the 2007 Act, modernises country’s NIN as the foundational identifier under the “one person, one identity” policy, establishes NIMC as the root certificate authority for digital infrastructure, and introduces strict data protection and cybersecurity rules.
Key highlights of the Act included the elevated status of the NIN, robust data protection, digital public infrastructure, and the introduction of a general multi-purpose card.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the NIMC Act on 26 June 2026.
