Nigeria’s identity system gains momentum under Tinubu
Summary and headline written by AI from the source article. How we work
Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, praised the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in Abuja as a success story of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Akume cited increasing enrollment in the national identity program and its growing connections to banking, telecommunications, and social welfare programs as evidence of progress. He observed this work as he coordinates government business across various agencies.
Akume explained that Nigeria’s developing digital identity system is bolstering its role in the African digital economy. He stated that reliable identity verification supports banking, telecommunications, social programs, and trade both within Nigeria and across borders, potentially fostering greater economic integration throughout Africa. Banks, financial technology companies, and traders are increasingly using verified digital identities to access markets, including those created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The recent passage of the National Identity Management Commission Act of 2026 provided a stronger legal basis for the country’s identity management system. This law also enhanced data protection and designated NIMC as Nigeria’s primary authority for identity certification. Akume affirmed his support for NIMC, promising to help remove obstacles and coordinate government efforts to advance the program, and commended President Tinubu for signing the new Act into law.
