diff --git a/tasks/main.yml b/tasks/main.yml
index 9adccc5..2dc0ac7 100644
--- a/tasks/main.yml
+++ b/tasks/main.yml
@@ -24,6 +24,9 @@
   apt: pkg=nginx state=installed
   when: ansible_os_family == 'Debian'
 
+- name: Ensure nginx user exists.
+  user: name=nginx state=present system=true
+
 - name: Copy nginx configuration in place.
   template: >
     src=nginx.conf.j2