Tinubu’s Digital Identity Reforms Position Nigeria for Digital Economy, Says SGF

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s digital identity reforms, saying they have repositioned the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) as a strategic institution driving Nigeria’s digital transformation and economic growth.

Akume made the remarks on Friday in Abuja while receiving the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, and her management team during a courtesy visit.

He said President Tinubu demonstrated foresight by recognising science, technology and digital innovation as critical drivers of national development, adding that reforms initiated since 2023 have transformed NIMC into a key institution supporting Nigeria’s digital economy.

According to the SGF, the President’s assent to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act, 2026, provides a stronger legal foundation for the Commission to deepen digital identity management and support the country’s digital transformation agenda.

Akume said the new legislation also reinforces Nigeria’s quest for data sovereignty by enabling the country to develop, manage and secure its own digital identity infrastructure without depending on foreign systems.

He noted that the Federal Government’s transition to a paperless public service is another major milestone in the administration’s digital governance reforms, describing NIMC as a critical enabler of more efficient public service delivery.

“The era of offices filled with paper files is gradually giving way to digital processes that improve efficiency, accountability and productivity,” he said.

The SGF commended NIMC Director-General, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, for her leadership in implementing the Commission’s reforms, describing her commitment to digital transformation as exemplary.

He assured the Commission of the Federal Government’s continued support in implementing the provisions of the NIMC Act, expressing confidence that Nigeria would achieve its digital transformation goals faster through sustained reforms.

Earlier, Coker-Odusote described the NIMC Act, 2026, as 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 home of Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and provides the legal framework for building a secure, trusted and inclusive digital economy.

According to her, the legislation empowers the Commission to serve as the country’s National Digital Trust Anchor through the establishment and operation of the National Root Certification Authority (RCA), issuance and management of digital certificates, authentication of digital identities and development of standards for trusted digital identity services.

She added that the Act also recognises Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), providing legal backing for secure electronic transactions, digital signatures, identity authentication, encryption of sensitive information and protection against cyber fraud, identity theft and impersonation.

Coker-Odusote expressed appreciation to Senator Akume for his leadership as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Digital Public Infrastructure, saying his support had been instrumental in advancing the Federal Government’s digital identity agenda.

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