By Favour Bibaikefie

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act, 2026 into law, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to modernise its national identity management system and improve access to government services.

The new legislation replaces the National Identity Management Commission Act of 2007 and reinforces the country’s identity framework through the principle of “One Person, One Identity, One Number,” with the National Identification Number (NIN) serving as the foundation of the national identity system.

The Act is designed to enhance the management of identity records, improve coordination among government agencies, and strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s identity database. It also provides legal backing for the wider use of digital identity solutions, including electronic identity credentials and official digital verification tools.

As part of the reforms, the law makes provision for a General Multi-Purpose Card that can support multiple government and commercial services. However, authorities have not announced that the new card will immediately replace existing documents such as international passports, driver’s licences, Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), or bank cards.

Officials say the integration of identity systems will be implemented gradually through collaboration with relevant government institutions and other stakeholders.

The legislation also introduces stricter safeguards for the protection of personal data and prescribes tougher penalties for identity theft, impersonation, multiple registrations, and other identity-related offences.

Experts believe the new legal framework will help reduce duplicate identity records, improve the efficiency of public service delivery, strengthen national security, and support the country’s digital economy.

While the Act establishes the legal foundation for a more integrated identity management system, many of its provisions will require phased implementation before Nigerians experience their full impact in everyday transactions.

Government agencies are expected to issue further regulations and operational guidelines on how the reforms will be rolled out nationwide.

By Rukevwe Odeh

A violent internal clash has reportedly broken out among commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), resulting in multiple deaths after a mission went wrong.

According to reports, the confrontation occurred following a failed operational attempt that sparked tension within the group’s ranks. The disagreement escalated into an armed exchange between rival factions of the militants.

Sources suggest that the clash led to the deaths of several fighters, including individuals believed to be senior figures within the group. The incident highlights growing internal instability and leadership struggles within ISWAP, which has faced increasing pressure from military operations in the Lake Chad region and northeast Nigeria.

Security analysts note that such infighting is not uncommon among extremist groups operating in the region, especially as they lose territory, resources, and operational strength due to sustained counterterrorism campaigns.

Authorities are yet to issue an official confirmation, but the development is seen as another setback for the group amid ongoing security efforts targeting insurgent activity in Nigeria’s northeast.

By Rukevwe odeh

The abduction of pupils and teachers from a school in Oyo State has continued to generate reactions across the country, drawing comments from political figures including former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.

Fayose recently stirred controversy after suggesting that the kidnapping incident may have been politically motivated, allegedly aimed at discrediting President Bola Tinubu’s administration. His remarks, delivered during a public appearance, have been widely criticised and questioned by observers who described them as insensitive given the seriousness of the incident.

In response, Governor Makinde has consistently maintained that his administration is working closely with security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers. He has called for stronger collaboration between state and federal security structures, stressing that the priority remains the rescue of the victims.

Makinde also reaffirmed that security forces are making efforts to track the whereabouts of the abductors, noting that the state government is fully supporting ongoing operations. According to him, the incident has been deeply distressing for the state, especially for families directly affected.

The abduction, which involved schoolchildren and teachers taken from schools in parts of Oyo State, has sparked widespread concern nationwide. It has also reignited public debate on the worsening security situation in the country, with calls for more effective and coordinated action from authorities.
While Fayose’s comments have added a political dimension to the tragedy, many stakeholders insist that attention should remain focused on rescuing the victims and improving security to prevent similar incidents in the future.