NITDA Transfers PKI Framework to NIMC for Nigeria Digital Identity Security
NITDA handed its Public Key Infrastructure to NIMC on July 16, 2026, under the new NIMC Act 2026 that names NIMC as Root Certification Authority.
The National Information Technology Development Agency transferred its Public Key Infrastructure framework to the National Identity Management Commission on Thursday, July 16, 2026. The handover strengthens security for Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem under the NIMC Act 2026 Nairametrics.
NITDA Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations Hadiza Umar confirmed the transfer in a formal statement issued after the ceremony at NITDA headquarters. The move aligns operational control of the national PKI with the new legal mandate that designates NIMC as the Root Certification Authority for Nigeria’s National Public Key Infrastructure and Digital Public Infrastructure Nairametrics.
The News
NITDA completed the handover of its National Public Key Infrastructure framework during the Thursday ceremony. The transfer supplies the technology required to securely verify identities of Nigerians as government expands digital public services. Public Key Infrastructure uses encrypted digital certificates to verify online identities and protect shared information, functioning like a secure digital passport Nairametrics.
The NIMC Act 2026 repeals the NIMC Act 2007 and creates a new framework for a secure, interoperable digital identity ecosystem Arise News. It positions NIMC at the centre of digital identity, authentication and electronic trust architecture while harmonising identity databases across government agencies. The Act establishes the National Identification Number as the primary credential for verification and authentication in public service delivery Nairametrics.
Earlier, NITDA had commenced National Public Key Infrastructure operations at a Key Generation and Handover Ceremony in Abuja where Veridos Germany generated root keys for the Country Signing Certification Authority and Country Verification Certification Authority Blueprint. NITDA previously highlighted that the infrastructure supports confidentiality, integrity, authentication and non-repudiation for e-government and the digital economy NITDA.
Context
The handover follows President Bola Tinubu signing the NIMC Act 2026 into law. That legislation replaces the framework in place since 2007 and grants NIMC expanded powers over digital identity infrastructure Arise News. President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the transfer of NIMC to the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy in 2020 to align identity management with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy Federal Ministry of Information.
NITDA and NIMC had already begun collaboration on PKI and Digital Public Infrastructure during a working visit by NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa to NIMC Director General Bisoye Coker-Odusote. President Tinubu signed a circular on data integration and harmonisation of Ministries, Departments and Agencies together with PKI initiatives Digital Times. A 12-member committee was inaugurated to deliver a comprehensive implementation report Digital Times.
Implications
The shift places cryptographic root authority under the statutory identity body rather than the technology implementation agency. Fintech firms, banks, startups and MSMEs will now integrate with NIMC-managed trust anchors for KYC, digital signatures and encryption instead of the prior NITDA-led system. Local digital certificates become available at lower cost for secure email and web applications while reducing reliance on foreign certificate authorities.
The Act introduces stronger personal data and privacy safeguards aligned with the Nigeria Data Protection Act and prescribes penalties for multiple registrations, identity theft and impersonation. Every sector using fragmented identifiers such as BVN or voter ID must adapt to NIN-centric authentication and data exchange across government, financial and private entities.
Hadiza Umar, Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations at NITDA, stated: "The handover is expected to provide the technology needed to securely verify the identities of Nigerians as the government expands digital public services under the newly amended NIMC Act."
Forward Look
The 12-member implementation committee will deliver its report on harmonising PKI and Digital Public Infrastructure initiatives. Stakeholders should monitor how NITDA and NIMC redistribute responsibilities for key generation, certificate issuance and interoperability with payment systems as the single digital identity framework rolls out.
