President Tinubu’s Assent to NIMC Act 2026 Signals Nigeria’s Digital Economic Transformation \u2013 SGF<\/p>\n
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akum, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his bold reforms that have repositioned the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) as a strategic institution driving Nigeria\u2019s digital identity transformation and economic development.<\/p>\n
Speaking in Abuja on Friday while receiving the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, and her delegation, the SGF said President Tinubu demonstrated exceptional foresight by recognizing the critical role of science, technology and digital innovation in building a modern and globally competitive economy.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in 2023, he made it clear that governance would no longer be business as usual. He understood that science and technology are indispensable drivers of economic growth and national development. By revitalizing NIMC, he has transformed the Commission into a formidable institution at the forefront of Nigeria’s digital economy,\u201d the SGF stated.<\/p>\n
He described the President\u2019s swift assent to the NIMC Act, 2026 as a clear demonstration of his confidence in the Commission\u2019s strategic importance and his commitment to Nigeria\u2019s digital transformation agenda.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe President’s decision to promptly sign the new NIMC Act into law underscores his appreciation of the Commission’s significance. The legislation provides stronger legal backing for the reforms already underway and further empowers NIMC to deepen digital identity management in Nigeria,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Senator Akume emphasized that a major objective of the new law is the protection of Nigeria\u2019s data sovereignty, stressing that the country has the capacity to develop, manage and secure its own digital identity infrastructure.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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. Under the current leadership of NIMC, Nigeria has demonstrated that it is ready to take its rightful place among leading digital economies,\u201d he assured.<\/p>\n
In a statement, Chris Ugwuegulam, Head of Information & Public Relations, disclosed that
\nthe SGF also noted that the Federal Government\u2019s ongoing transition to a paperless public service is another major milestone in President Tinubu\u2019s digital governance agenda.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are moving steadily towards a paperless bureaucracy. Digital processes improve efficiency, enhance productivity, strengthen accountability and enable faster service delivery. NIMC has become a critical enabler of this transformation.\u201d<\/p>\n
The SGF paid tribute to the NIMC DG for her leadership in advancing the nation\u2019s digital identity ecosystem.
\n\u201cIt appears she sleeps digital, dreams digital, eats digital and lives digital transformation. I have attended several summits organized by NIMC under her able leadership, and each time I leave with greater appreciation of her knowledge and passion. She has demonstrated exceptional dedication to implementing the vision of the new law.\u201d<\/p>\n
He assured the Commission of the full support of the OSGF and the Federal Government in implementing the provisions of the new Act.
\n\u201cI congratulate you on your remarkable achievements and encourage you to sustain the momentum. With the speed, dedication and professionalism that NIMC has demonstrated, I am confident that Nigeria will attain its digital transformation objectives much sooner than anticipated.\u201d Sen. Akume stressed<\/p>\n
Speaking earlier, the Director-General\/CEO of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, commended President Tinubu for signing the NIMC Act, 2026, describing it as landmark legislation that positions Nigeria to become a global leader in digital identity, digital trust and digital public infrastructure.<\/p>\n
She said the Act fundamentally transforms NIMC from a database management agency into Nigeria\u2019s foundational digital authority.
\n\u201cMr. 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 (DPI) and provides thei legal framework for building a secure, trusted and inclusive digital economy,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Engr. Coker-Odusote expressed appreciation to Senator Akume for his strategic leadership as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), noting that his guidance had been instrumental to the success of the digital identity agenda.<\/p>\n
She explained that the new legal framework empowers NIMC to serve as Nigeria\u2019s National Digital Trust Anchor by establishing and operating the National Root Certification Authority (RCA),, issuing and managing digital\u00e1 certificates, supporting secure digital signatures, authenticating digital identities and developing standards for trusted digital identity services nationwide.<\/p>\n
According to her, the recognition of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) under the Act provides legal certainty for secure electronic transactions across government andaqq\u00e6 the private sector. It enables identity authentication, digital signatures, encryption of sensitive information and protection against impersonation, cyber fraud and identity theft.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of the highlights of the NIMC Act 2026 by the Commission\u2019s Director of Strategic Programme Office, Dr. Alvan Ikoku<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
President Tinubu’s Assent to NIMC Act 2026 Signals Nigeria’s Digital Economic Transformation \u2013 SGF The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akum, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his bold reforms that have repositioned the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) as a strategic institution driving Nigeria\u2019s digital identity transformation and economic […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":151581,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[79,69,18],"tags":[3240,3238,3239],"class_list":["post-151578","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-economy","category-general","category-news","tag-digital-economic-transformation","tag-nimc-act-2026","tag-senator-georgd-akume"],"yoast_head":"\n