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Tinubu Signs NIMC Bill Into Law: “One Person, One Identity” Framework Takes Effect

Published

5 months ago

June 27, 2026

Tinubu Signs NIMC Bill Into Law: “One Person, One Identity” Framework Takes Effect

In a landmark move to modernise Nigeria’s identity management system, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law. The new legislation repeals the outdated 2007 Act and establishes a comprehensive legal framework for digital identity, data protection, and electronic trust services. Already, the integrated database system has been credited with the arrest of seven suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders. The signing ceremony took place at the State House, Abuja, on Friday and was witnessed by top government officials including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, and the Director-General of NIMC, Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote.

The new law introduces several critical innovations designed to strengthen Nigeria’s digital public infrastructure and position the country for a technology-driven future. A defining feature of the Act is the designation of NIMC as the Root Certification Authority for Nigeria’s National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). This empowers the commission to serve as the nation’s trusted authority for secure digital identity, authentication, and electronic trust services across both government and private-sector platforms. Additionally, the legislation introduces stronger safeguards for personal data, aligning with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) and international privacy standards, while providing a legal foundation for secure and interoperable data exchange among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), financial institutions, and private organisations. The Act also reinforces the National Identification Number (NIN) as Nigeria’s foundational identity credential under the “One Person, One Identity” principle, and recognises both physical and digital identity credentials while positioning the NIMC General Multipurpose Card as a nationwide identity credential under the theme “One Card, Multiple Possibilities.”

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Speaking after the signing ceremony, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed that the integrated identity database has already yielded significant security gains, disclosing that seven known commanders of Boko Haram and ISWAP were arrested at Katsina Airport upon their return from Mecca and handed over to the DSS. The Minister attributed the arrests to the successful integration of NIMC’s database with the Nigeria Immigration Service and international law enforcement platforms, noting that the system now interfaces with Interpol 24/7. He further explained that upon President Tinubu’s assumption of office, the identity data management system was fractured and disconnected, making it impossible to link passport applications with the national identity database. Today, however, no Nigerian can obtain a passport without data pulled directly from NIMC, and the immigration system now mirrors the NIMC database in real time.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed the presidential assent, noting that the Act reflects the National Assembly’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s evolving security and developmental needs, and expressed confidence that the legislation would strengthen public confidence in the country’s identity management architecture. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu described the signing as a historic milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation, observing that the world had been waiting for Nigeria to modernise its identity management legislation. He remarked that the global community was aware of the obsolescence of the 2007 Act and had been monitoring efforts to retool and redefine the legal framework, adding that the new law demonstrates the Federal Government’s bold commitment to building a robust, trusted and inclusive identity ecosystem. NIMC Director-General Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote described the new law as a major boost to the Commission’s mandate, stating it closes a 19-year gap in legal frameworks during which digital technology evolved rapidly, and emphasised that the legislation is not merely an amendment but a bold leap into the future that establishes a world-class digital identity system capable of improving access to services for all Nigerians.

According to NIMC, implementation of the new Act will deliver significant benefits including wider, easier, and more convenient access to identity services, stronger protection of personal data and privacy, enhanced cybersecurity and greater confidence in digital transactions, faster and more secure identity verification and authentication, improved interoperability across government and private-sector platforms, and expanded financial and social inclusion. The reform directly advances President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by accelerating digital transformation, strengthening national security, and supporting the administration’s vision of building a one-trillion-dollar economy.

Tinubu Signs NIMC Bill Into Law: “One Person, One Identity” Framework Takes Effect

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Nigerian Pastor, 68, Dies Mid-Air While Returning From US Vacation

Published

1 hour ago

November 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Dr Mrs Asabe Toye

Nigerian Pastor, 68, Dies Mid-Air While Returning From US Vacation

A Nigerian pastor, Dr Mrs Asabe Toye, has reportedly died aboard an aircraft while returning to Nigeria from a vacation in the United States.

The 68-year-old cleric reportedly suffered a medical emergency on October 16, 2026, while travelling with her husband on a flight from the United States to Frankfurt, Germany.

According to reports, the incident occurred during the journey when she suddenly developed a medical complication, prompting efforts by fellow passengers and other occupants of the aircraft to save her life.

Despite attempts to provide medical assistance and prayers offered on board, the pastor reportedly could not survive the emergency.

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Her death has reportedly thrown her family, loved ones and members of her religious community into mourning.

Family appreciates Nigerian Embassy, Customs Service

Following her death, the family expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Embassy in Germany and the Nigeria Customs Service for their assistance in facilitating the necessary clearances and arrangements for the return of her remains to Nigeria.

The family reportedly acknowledged the support of both institutions during the difficult process.

Dr Mrs Asabe Toye has since been laid to rest, according to reports published on Wednesday, November 11.

Her death has also triggered emotional reactions on social media, with Nigerians expressing sympathy and offering prayers for her husband, children and other family members.

Nigerian Pastor, 68, Dies Mid-Air While Returning From US Vacation

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Tinubu’s Chicago Varsity Certificate Row: Omokri Challenges Journalists to Verify Fresh Allegations

Published

3 hours ago

November 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Tinubu’s Chicago Varsity Certificate Row: Omokri Challenges Journalists to Verify Fresh Allegations

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has challenged Nigerian journalists to independently investigate fresh allegations surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s academic records at Chicago State University (CSU), insisting that the American institution confirmed the President’s admission, attendance and graduation.

Omokri’s challenge comes amid renewed controversy over Tinubu’s educational background following claims by Dr Pearse Adetokunbo, a former lecturer at Chicago State University, who reportedly questioned whether the Nigerian leader attended or graduated from the institution.

Adetokunbo, who said he worked at the university between 1985 and 1990, reportedly claimed during an interview on News Central Television that he found no evidence of Tinubu’s attendance or graduation. He also raised questions about the identity associated with the President’s academic records and the authenticity of documents attributed to the university.

However, Omokri rejected the allegations, saying he had personally visited Chicago State University and established that Tinubu was admitted, attended classes and graduated.

In a post on his official X account on Monday, November 9, Omokri urged journalists not to rely solely on claims made during television interviews but to travel to the United States and examine the university’s records independently.

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He wrote: “I went to @ChicagoState University and proved that President Tinubu was admitted, attended, and graduated from there.

“I urge Nigerian journalists not to sit in studios peddling gossip, but to also go to Chicago, as I did, and verify.”

Omokri’s response has brought renewed attention to a controversy that has featured prominently in Nigerian political and legal debates, particularly since the 2023 presidential election.

In September 2023, Chicago State University confirmed that Tinubu attended the institution and graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Accounting.

Documents released during the legal proceedings in the United States showed that the university’s records placed Tinubu’s attendance between August 1977 and June 1979.

The university’s confirmation of his graduation, however, became a subject of further scrutiny during proceedings connected to a case brought by former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, who sought access to Tinubu’s academic records.

During a deposition, CSU Registrar Caleb Westberg confirmed that Tinubu graduated from the institution but said he could not authenticate the particular diploma submitted by the President to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as the university did not have that document in its possession.

The distinction between confirmation of Tinubu’s graduation and authentication of the specific certificate submitted to INEC became a central issue in the legal dispute.

The latest claims by Adetokunbo have therefore reopened public debate over the President’s academic history, while Omokri has maintained that the allegations should be tested against the university’s records rather than accepted without independent verification.

The renewed debate is unfolding against the background of growing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Tinubu’s opponents and supporters continuing to scrutinise issues relating to his eligibility, background and record in office.

Tinubu’s Chicago Varsity Certificate Row: Omokri Challenges Journalists to Verify Fresh Allegations

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Fuel Prices: FCCPC Warns Marketers Against Denying Nigerians Relief

Published

6 hours ago

November 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello

Fuel Prices: FCCPC Warns Marketers Against Denying Nigerians Relief

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned petroleum refiners and marketers against maintaining high petrol and diesel prices despite the recent decline in international crude oil prices.

The Commission said Nigerians should begin to benefit from the reduction in global oil prices, insisting that refiners and marketers have no justification for keeping petroleum product prices elevated if their operating costs have declined.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, gave the warning in a statement issued on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, by the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu.

Bello said the Commission was closely monitoring developments in the international oil market to ensure that reductions in crude oil prices translate into lower wholesale and retail prices of petroleum products in Nigeria.

According to the FCCPC, Brent crude, the international oil benchmark, which rose to about $115 per barrel in September, has fallen below $90 per barrel this week.

Despite the decline, petrol prices remain high across major Nigerian cities.

The Commission disclosed that petrol currently sells for between N1,405 and N1,420 per litre in Abuja, while consumers in Lagos pay between N1,325 and N1,370 per litre.

It compared the current prices with those recorded on February 27, before the outbreak of the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, when Brent crude futures closed at $72.48 per barrel.

At the time, petrol sold for between N839 and N925 per litre in Lagos and Abuja.

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Petroleum marketers have attributed the sharp increase in fuel prices over the past eight months to fluctuations in international crude oil prices following the conflict in the Middle East and disruptions to shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a major global oil transportation route.

However, Bello insisted that sustained reductions in crude oil prices should lead to corresponding decreases in the cost of refined petroleum products.

“If the decline in crude prices is sustained, there is no justification for refiners and marketers to continue to keep petrol and diesel prices relatively high. We expect easing in wholesale petrol costs and for the resulting savings to reach consumers at the pump without undue delay,” he said.

The FCCPC chief acknowledged the financial difficulties Nigerians had experienced because of elevated fuel prices, noting that the Commission was determined to ensure that consumers were not denied the benefits of favourable movements in the international oil market.

He said the Commission would continue working with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and other relevant government agencies to monitor wholesale and retail prices across the petroleum supply chain.

Bello also warned that the FCCPC would take appropriate action against operators found engaging in anti-competitive practices or unfair market behaviour that prevented consumers from benefiting from lower production and supply costs.

“Where there is evidence of anti-competitive conduct or unfair practices that prevent consumers from benefiting from lower costs, we will take appropriate action within our mandate,” he added.

The Commission’s intervention comes amid growing concerns over the impact of high petrol prices on transportation, food prices, manufacturing, household spending and the operating costs of businesses.

Although crude oil prices influence the cost of petroleum products, other factors, including refining expenses, foreign exchange rates, transportation, distribution, financing and inventory costs, also affect domestic pump prices.

The FCCPC’s position is that any sustained reduction in costs should be reflected in the market and that consumers should not be subjected to unfair pricing practices.

For millions of Nigerians struggling with high living costs, the major expectation is whether the latest decline in international crude oil prices will translate into meaningful reductions at filling stations.