Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's digital identity reforms have transformed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) into a strategic institution driving Nigeria's digital transformation. The reforms, including the National Identity Management Commission Act, 2026, aim to strengthen the country's digital identity ecosystem and position Nigeria as a leading digital economy.
… NIMC DG says legislation transforms commission into Nigeria’s digital trust authority Secretary to the Government of the Federation , Senator George Akume, said on Friday that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s digital identity reforms have repositioned Nigeria on the path to becoming a leading digital economy, describing the National Identity Management Commission as a strategic institution driving the country’s digital transformation.
Speaking while receiving the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote and her delegation at his Abuja office, Akume said the Tinubu administration had recognised science, technology and digital innovation as critical drivers of economic growth and national development.
According to a statement issued by Chris Ugwuegbulam, Head of the Information Public Relations Department in the office of the SGF, Akume said the President’s reforms have transformed NIMC from a routine government agency into a key institution underpinning Nigeria’s digital economy.
“When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in 2023, he made it clear that governance would no longer be business as usual. He understood, quite rightly, that science and technology are indispensable drivers of economic growth and national development. By revitalising NIMC, he has transformed the Commission into a formidable institution at the forefront of Nigeria’s digital economy,” Akume said.
The SGF described the President’s prompt assent to the National Identity Management Commission Act, 2026, as a demonstration of his commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem. He said the new law provides stronger legal backing for ongoing reforms and empowers the Commission to deepen digital identity management nationwide.
“The President’s decision to promptly sign the new NIMC Act into law underscores his appreciation of the Commission’s role in transforming our economy. The legislation provides stronger legal backing for the remarkable reforms already underway and further empowers NIMC to deepen digital identity management in Nigeria,” he said. Akume said the legislation would also strengthen Nigeria’s data sovereignty by enabling the country to develop, manage and protect its digital identity infrastructure without relying on foreign systems.
“We are constantly reminded that the ultimate objective is not merely trust in our digital identity ecosystem but data sovereignty. Nigeria has the capacity to build, manage and protect its own digital infrastructure. We do not have to rely on systems located outside our borders,” he stated. The SGF further linked the reforms to the Federal Government’s transition to a paperless public service, saying digital processes would improve efficiency, accountability, productivity and service delivery across government institutions.
“We are moving steadily towards a paperless bureaucracy. The era of offices filled with mountains of paper files is gradually becoming a thing of the past. Digital processes improve efficiency, enhance productivity, strengthen accountability and enable faster service delivery. NIMC has become a critical enabler of this transformation,” he added.
Tinubu to receive Northeast governors on thank-you visit over Shettima's renomination Akume also commended the leadership of the NIMC Director-General, Engr. Coker-Odusote described the NIMC Director-General as deeply committed to implementing the provisions of the new Act and advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda. He assured the Commission of the full support of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Federal Government in implementing the legislation.
Earlier, the NIMC Director-General described the NIMC Act, 2026, as landmark legislation that would position Nigeria as a global leader in digital identity, digital trust and digital public infrastructure. She said the law fundamentally transforms NIMC from a database management agency into Nigeria’s foundational digital authority.
“Mr. President has demonstrated exceptional leadership by assenting to the NIMC Act after almost 19 years. This landmark legislation firmly establishes NIMC as the home of Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure and provides the legal framework for building a secure, trusted and inclusive digital economy,” Coker-Odusote said. She also commended Akume for his leadership as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Digital Public Infrastructure, saying his guidance had been instrumental in implementing the Federal Government’s digital identity agenda.
According to her, the new legal framework empowers NIMC to serve as Nigeria’s National Digital Trust Anchor by establishing and operating the National Root Certification Authority, issuing and managing digital certificates, authenticating digital identities, and developing standards for trusted digital identity services nationwide. Coker-Odusote explained that the Act’s recognition of Public Key Infrastructure provides the legal certainty required for secure electronic transactions across both the public and private sectors by enabling digital signatures, identity authentication, encryption of sensitive information and protection against cyber fraud, impersonation and identity theft.
“The digital economy cannot thrive without trust. Public Key Infrastructure provides the technological and governance framework that guarantees secure electronic transactions, authenticates users, protects digital services and provides legal assurance for digital signatures,” she said. The visit culminated in the presentation of highlights of the NIMC Act, 2026, by the Commission’s Director of Strategic Programme Office, Dr Alvan Ikoku.
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