Vice President Kashim Shettima has praised the Tinubu administration’s efforts to transform Nigeria’s digital identity system, describing the ongoing reforms as unmatched and a major step toward modern governance.
Speaking on Wednesday while receiving a delegation from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) at the Presidential Villa, Shettima said the reforms have positioned Nigeria to build a secure and sovereign Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
According to the Vice President, the transformation has been driven by the implementation of the NIMC Act 2026, which he said is helping to move the country from paper-based administration to a more secure and efficient digital governance system.
Shettima commended NIMC Director-General, Engr. Abisoye Odusote, for what he described as her outstanding leadership, saying she has successfully transformed the commission from a simple identity database manager into Nigeria’s digital identity authority within a short period.
He encouraged the agency’s management to continue embracing technology-driven solutions that align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, financial inclusion and public service delivery.
Earlier, Odusote congratulated President Tinubu for signing the NIMC Act 2026 into law, describing the legislation as a major milestone for Nigeria’s identity management system.
She explained that the new law allows government databases to communicate seamlessly with one another, making it easier for citizens to access government services.
The NIMC boss also disclosed that the Nigerian Immigration Service now uses the National Identification Number (NIN) for passport applications and renewals.
According to her, the NIN has become Nigeria’s single trusted identity platform, with several banks, insurance companies and government agencies already integrated into the country’s digital identity infrastructure.
The NIMC Act 2026 replaces the previous 2007 law and is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity framework, improve national control over digital infrastructure and reduce dependence on foreign systems.
