Tinubu’s Digital Identity Reforms Position Nigeria for Economic Transformation – SGF

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has said President Bola Tinubu’s reforms in the digital identity sector have positioned Nigeria for digital economic transformation by strengthening the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

Akume made the remarks while receiving the Director-General of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, and her delegation in Abuja on Friday.

He said President Tinubu had transformed NIMC into a strategic institution by recognising the role of science, technology and digital innovation in driving economic growth and national development.

The SGF also hailed the President’s assent to the NIMC Act, 2026, describing it as a major step towards strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem and providing a stronger legal framework for the Commission’s operations.

According to him, the legislation will enhance data sovereignty by enabling Nigeria to build, manage and protect its own digital identity infrastructure while reducing reliance on foreign systems.

Akume said the Federal Government’s transition to a paperless public service was another key milestone in the administration’s digital governance agenda, noting that digital processes would improve efficiency, accountability and service delivery.

He commended Coker-Odusote for her leadership, describing her as a driving force behind the Commission’s reforms, and pledged the Federal Government’s support for the implementation of the new law.

Earlier, Coker-Odusote described the NIMC Act, 2026, as a landmark legislation that transforms the Commission from a database management agency into Nigeria’s foundational digital authority.

She said the Act establishes NIMC as the country’s Digital Public Infrastructure authority and provides the legal framework for secure, trusted and inclusive digital identity management.

The NIMC boss added that the law empowers the Commission to serve as Nigeria’s National Digital Trust Anchor by establishing the National Root Certification Authority, issuing and managing digital certificates, supporting secure digital signatures and setting standards for trusted digital identity services.

She said the Act’s recognition of Public Key Infrastructure would strengthen secure electronic transactions, identity authentication and data protection while helping to curb cyber fraud and identity theft.

The visit also featured a presentation on the key provisions of the NIMC Act, 2026, by the Commission’s Director of Strategic Programme Office, Dr Alvan Ikoku.