The Federal Government has called for stronger AI safeguards under the new NIMC Act as Nigeria expands its digital identity system. The move is aimed at protecting citizens’ personal data while ensuring the country is ready for the growing use of artificial intelligence.
The call was made by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, during a meeting with the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Dr Abisoye Coker-Odusote, in Abuja. He said the successful implementation of the new NIMC Act must include strong data protection, cybersecurity and AI governance measures. These steps, he said, are necessary to build public trust in Nigeria’s digital identity system.
Bagudu explained that artificial intelligence is changing how personal information is collected, processed and used. For this reason, the new NIMC Act should provide clear safeguards that protect Nigerians from data misuse while allowing the country to benefit from new technologies.
The new NIMC Act replaces the 2007 law and strengthens the role of the National Identification Number (NIN) as Nigeria’s official identity standard under the “One Person, One Identity” policy. The legislation also gives NIMC wider responsibilities in managing digital identity and improving identity verification across government services.
According to NIMC, more than 136 million Nigerians and legal residents have enrolled in the National Identity Database. The Federal Government believes the growing database will improve national planning, public service delivery, financial inclusion and access to government programmes.
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Bagudu also urged stronger collaboration between federal, state and local governments to prevent duplicate identity databases. He said using the NIN as the country’s single identity system will improve efficiency, reduce fraud and make public services easier for Nigerians to access.
The minister added that protecting personal data must remain a priority as AI becomes more common across government and private organisations. He encouraged NIMC to continue developing policies that promote responsible AI use while keeping citizens’ information safe.
The new NIMC Act is expected to play a key role in Nigeria’s digital transformation. By combining stronger AI safeguards, better cybersecurity and improved identity management, the government hopes to build a safer and more trusted digital economy.
If fully implemented, the law could strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s digital identity system while preparing the country for the future of artificial intelligence and digital services.
