The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has officially taken over the management of Nigeria's Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), marking a significant shift in the country's digital identity security architecture. The handover ceremony, held on July 17, 2026, in Abuja, underscores the government's commitment to consolidating digital identity systems under a single authority.
Background of the PKI Handover
The PKI, a critical infrastructure for secure electronic transactions, was previously managed by NITDA since its establishment in 2013. The transfer aligns with the provisions of the NIMC Act 2007 and the NITDA Act 2007, which designate NIMC as the primary body for identity management. According to a joint statement, the handover ensures that the PKI is operated in line with international standards and best practices for digital identity security.
Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director-General of NIMC, stated, "This transition is a landmark achievement for Nigeria's digital economy. By consolidating PKI under NIMC, we are strengthening the trust and security framework for all digital identity services, including the National Identification Number (NIN) ecosystem." She added that the move would eliminate duplication of efforts and enhance interoperability across government systems.
Details of the Infrastructure Transfer
The handover includes the transfer of all PKI-related assets, software, hardware, and cryptographic keys. NITDA has also provided comprehensive training to NIMC technical staff to ensure seamless continuity. The PKI infrastructure supports over 100 million NIN enrolments and facilitates secure authentication for various government and private sector services, including banking, telecommunications, and immigration.
Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of NITDA, emphasized the collaborative nature of the transition. "NITDA has played a pivotal role in building and nurturing the PKI since its inception. We are confident that NIMC, with its mandate for identity management, is best positioned to take this forward. This handover is a testament to the maturity of our digital governance systems." He noted that NITDA will continue to provide advisory support during the transition period.
Impact on Digital Identity Security
The consolidation is expected to bolster Nigeria's cybersecurity posture by centralizing control over digital certificates and encryption keys. It reduces the risk of fragmented security policies and ensures that identity verification processes are uniformly secure. Industry experts have welcomed the move, noting that it aligns with global trends where national identity authorities manage PKI for citizen services.
According to a 2025 report by the Nigeria Cybersecurity Alliance, the country recorded a 34% increase in cyberattacks targeting identity systems. The handover is seen as a proactive measure to mitigate these threats by streamlining security protocols. The PKI is integral to the implementation of the Digital Identity for Development (ID4D) project, which aims to provide legal identity to all Nigerians by 2030.
Next Steps for NIMC
NIMC has announced plans to upgrade the PKI infrastructure to support emerging technologies such as blockchain and quantum-safe cryptography. The commission will also launch a public awareness campaign to educate citizens on the importance of digital certificates and secure online transactions. Additionally, NIMC will establish a dedicated PKI oversight committee comprising representatives from NITDA, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The handover ceremony was witnessed by officials from the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, as well as representatives from the private sector. Both NIMC and NITDA have assured stakeholders that there will be no disruption of services during the transition.
