President Tinubu’s Digital Identity Reforms Set Nigeria On Path To Digital Economic Transformation – SGF

By Francis Wilfred

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his bold and visionary reforms that have repositioned the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) as a strategic institution driving Nigeria’s digital identity transformation and economic development.

Speaking while receiving the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, and her delegation on Friday, 17th July, 2026 in Abuja, the SGF said President Tinubu had demonstrated exceptional foresight by recognizing the critical role of science, technology and digital innovation in building a modern and globally competitive 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 revitalizing NIMC, he has transformed the Commission into a formidable institution at the forefront of Nigeria’s digital economy”, SGF averred.

According to a press release signed by Chris Ugwuegbulam, Head, Information & Public Relations Department, the SGF described the President’s swift assent to the NIMC Act, 2026, as a clear demonstration of his confidence in the Commission’s strategic importance and his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.

“The President’s decision to promptly sign the new NIMC Act into law underscores his appreciation of the Commission’s significance 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 stated.

He emphasized that one of the most significant objectives of the new legislation is the protection of Nigeria’s data sovereignty, stressing that the country possesses the capacity and expertise to develop, manage and secure its own digital identity infrastructure. “We do not have to rely on systems located outside our borders. Under the current leadership of NIMC, Nigeria has demonstrated within a remarkably short time that it is ready to take its rightful place among leading digital economies”, Sen. Akume assured.

“We are moving steadily towards a paperless bureaucracy. The era of offices filled with mountains of paper files is gradually becoming history. Digital processes improve efficiency, enhance productivity, strengthen accountability and enable faster service delivery. NIMC has become a critical enabler of this transformation.”SGF paid glowing tribute to the Director-General of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, for her outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing the nation’s digital identity ecosystem.

He added that she is deeply committed to this assignment and has demonstrated exceptional dedication to implementing the vision of the new law. Her leadership reflects the core principles of accountability, transparency and innovation that the Act seeks to strengthen. 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 provisions of the new Act.

Speaking earlier, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for signing the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act, 2026, describing it as a landmark legislation that positions Nigeria to become a global leader in digital identity, digital trust and digital public infrastructure. She said that the Act has fundamentally transforms the National Identity Management Commission 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 (DPI) and provides the legal framework for building a secure, trusted and inclusive digital economy,” she said.

She said the new legal framework empowers NIMC to serve as Nigeria’s National Digital Trust Anchor by establishing and operating the National Root Certification Authority (RCA), issuing and managing digital certificates, supporting secure digital signatures, authenticating digital identities and developing standards for trusted digital identity services nationwide.

According to her, the recognition of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) under the Act provides legal certainty for secure electronic transactions across government and the private sector by enabling identity authentication, digital signatures, encryption of sensitive information and protection against impersonation, cyber fraud 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 added. The climax of the courtesy visit was the presentation of the highlights of the new NIMC Act 2026 by the Commission’s Director of Strategic Programme Office, Dr. Alvan Ikoku.