The Federal Government has declared that the era of hiding behind false identities to commit fraud is coming to an end as Nigeria begins implementing its new National Identity Management law designed to strengthen accountability, improve transparency and advance the country’s digital governance.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), made this known on Friday during a meeting in Abuja with the Director General of the National Identity Management Commission, Engr. Abisoye Coker Odusote.
According to Fagbemi, the newly signed law provides Nigeria with a modern identity management system that will support the fight against corruption, improve public service delivery and increase confidence in the nation’s growing digital economy.
He explained that President Bola Tinubu assented to the legislation on June 26, 2026, replacing the National Identity Management Act of 2007, which he described as no longer suitable for the realities of today’s fast evolving digital world.
The minister stressed that a dependable national identity system is essential for tackling fraud, as it makes it easier to properly verify the identities of individuals and businesses operating across the country.
He added that the new legal framework will strengthen critical sectors such as banking, national security, e government services and economic planning, while also providing a safer environment for digital transactions.
Fagbemi said the value of the new law goes beyond its passage, noting that Nigerians need to fully understand its benefits and the opportunities it creates for citizens and businesses alike.
He warned that anyone engaging in fraudulent activities should be prepared to face the consequences, saying the new identity system would leave little or no room for criminals to conceal their identities.
He said those who obey the law have nothing to fear, but those involved in fraud should understand that there will no longer be any safe place to hide.
The Attorney General also encouraged Nigerians to embrace the ongoing reforms and make use of the digital identity services being introduced by the National Identity Management Commission. He noted that sustained public awareness would be key to addressing concerns and building confidence in the new system.
Fagbemi further directed the leadership of NIMC to intensify public sensitisation on the provisions and benefits of the legislation, describing its successful implementation as a shared responsibility that will promote transparency and support national development.
Speaking earlier, the Director General of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker Odusote, praised the Ministry of Justice for its continued support in driving reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s identity management system.
She reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to working closely with the ministry to ensure the smooth implementation of the new law. She also pledged to deepen collaboration through capacity building and other institutional reforms that will help achieve the objectives of the legislation.
Coker Odusote assured that NIMC would continue to partner with the Ministry of Justice in every possible way to ensure the reforms deliver the desired results for the country.
