The Nigerian Senate has passed a landmark bill mandating the registration of all citizens under a revamped national identity management system. The legislation, which seeks to repeal and reenact the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act, aims to create a more efficient, inclusive, and globally compliant identity framework for the country.
The bill passed following the presentation and adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on National Identity Card and Population, led by the senator representing Anambra Central Victor Umeh.
“The proposed law aims to establish a harmonized and cost-effective identity system that aligns with global best practices, enhances data accuracy, promotes inclusion, and addresses gaps in Nigeria’s identity database,” Umeh said. He further explained that the bill would fortify the NIMC’s foundation, enabling broader citizen registration and bolstering data security.
The bill proposes the establishment of a central database for citizen registration, tackling inaccuracies in the current identity database, and mandating the issuance of identity cards to all registered Nigerians.
The bill, sponsored by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, representing Kano North, now moves to the House of Representatives for further deliberation. If approved there, it will be sent to President Bola Tinubu for final assent before becoming law.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the committee and lawmakers for their diligent work on refining the bill, expressing hopes that it would ensure accurate data for effective planning, not only for the present generation but for future generations of Nigerians.
