The National Identity Management Commission has explained why Nigeria decided to replace the 2007 NIMC Act with a new legal framework. According to the commission, the old law had become outdated after nearly two decades and no longer addressed current challenges in identity management.

The new legislation is designed to tackle emerging issues like technology advancements, cybersecurity threats, and data protection needs.

Coordinating Director of Operations at NIMC, Uche Chigbo, noted that the previous act was almost obsolete and required significant updates to match Nigeria’s growing digital economy. The revised law expands the commission’s mandate to register everyone living in the country, including internally displaced persons, children, orphans, and Nigerians in the diaspora. This broader coverage is expected to strengthen the national identity system.

The new Act also aligns with the Nigeria Data Protection Act and provides NIMC with improved regulatory powers. Officials believe these changes will make the identity management programme more effective and secure. The commission has introduced an online self-service portal for updating personal information, making the process more convenient for citizens.

This update reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing identity systems in line with global standards. With the new law in place, NIMC aims to enhance service delivery and reduce fraud associated with identity documents. Citizens are encouraged to take advantage of the improved platform to ensure their records are accurate and up to date.

The replacement of the 2007 law marks an important step in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey. As the commission continues to enroll more people and issue National Identification Numbers, the benefits of a robust identity system are expected to become more visible. The changes are part of efforts to build a more efficient and secure foundation for governance and service delivery.

Photo credit: The Sun Nigeria