The Senate advanced a bill on Tuesday to enhance the regulatory functions of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and improve Nigeria’s identity system.
Sponsored by the Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Barau Jibrin, the bill aims to broaden registration eligibility to ensure inclusivity and universal coverage.
“This bill allows all residents in Nigeria to obtain a National Identification Number (NIN) and use it as a recognized form of identification,” Jibrin stated during his lead debate.
The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2007, and to Provide for the Establishment of a National Identity Database and the National Identity Management Commission Charged with the Responsibilities for Maintenance of the National Database, the Registration of Individuals, and the Issuance of Identity Credentials; and for Related Matters, 2024,” seeks to improve data sharing by incorporating robust data protection measures.
These measures aim to safeguard individuals’ privacy and confidentiality, fostering trust among citizens in the handling of their information.
Jibrin emphasized that the bill would enhance NIMC’s administrative enforcement powers, ensuring timely and accurate compliance with ID registration requirements. “This will streamline the registration process, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and enhance the reliability of Nigeria’s ID system,” he added.
The bill also proposes replacing criminal penalties for non-use of NIN with administrative enforcement measures to encourage compliance without imposing undue legal consequences on individuals.
Regarding NIMC’s regulatory functions, the bill aims to strengthen the agency’s capacity for effective oversight and regulation of Nigeria’s ID system, ensuring adherence to established standards and guidelines and fostering public trust in the system’s integrity and reliability.
Additionally, the bill seeks to harmonize existing identity systems across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to promote interoperability and coherence across different sectors.
Overall, the bill aims to achieve several objectives, including fostering inclusion, universal coverage, accessibility, and unlocking significant financial and security benefits for the nation.
Senators passed the bill for a second reading in a majority voice vote.
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