Nigeria digital identity overhaul praised

Vice President Kashim Shettima praised the ongoing transformation of Nigeria's digital identity ecosystem under President Bola Tinubu's administration, particularly the reforms led by the Nigeria — National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the enactment of the NIMC Act 2026. Shettima stated that the reforms will enable the establishment of a sovereign Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for Nigeria, transitioning from paper-based administration to secure digital governance. NIMC Director General Abisoye Coker-Odusote highlighted that the Nigeria — Nigeria Immigration Service now uses the National Identification Number (NIN) for passport issuance and renewal, and that NIN has become the single source of truth for Nigerian identity, with many insurance companies, financial institutions, and public agencies integrated into the new digital infrastructure. The NIMC Act 2026 replaces the 2007 framework to secure national control over digital trust infrastructure and reduce foreign reliance.