FIVE-YEAR JAIL TERM, OTHER KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF NEW NIMC ACT 2026

President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, introducing tougher penalties for identity-related offences and strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity system.
One of the major highlights of the new law is a five-year jail term for anyone found guilty of identity theft, identity fraud, or the unlawful use of another person’s National Identification Number (NIN) or personal data.
The Act also prescribes stiff fines and other sanctions for offences such as the unauthorised collection, disclosure, alteration, or misuse of identity information.
According to the Federal Government, the legislation is designed to improve the integrity of Nigeria’s national identity database, enhance data protection, and combat identity fraud and cybercrime.
The law further seeks to accelerate digital identity enrolment, improve access to government services, and strengthen the use of verified identity in banking, telecommunications, healthcare, education, and other sectors.
Officials said the new framework aligns Nigeria’s identity management system with international best practices while providing stronger legal protection for citizens’ personal information.
The government urged Nigerians to comply with the provisions of the Act and avoid activities that could attract criminal penalties under the new legislation.