The Senate has advanced a bill to its second reading that mandates all persons, including foreigners residing in Nigeria, to obtain and use a National Identification Number (NIN).
Sponsored by the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin (Kano North), the bill titled “National Identity Management Commission (Repeal and Enactment) Bill 2024 (SB. 472)” seeks to replace criminal penalties with administrative enforcement measures to encourage compliance with NIN usage requirements without imposing undue legal consequences on individuals.
Senator Cyril Fasuyi (Ekiti North), who led the debate on behalf of Senator Barau Jibrin, highlighted that the bill aims to repeal the existing Act and introduce a new regulatory framework for the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). This new framework is designed to enhance NIMC’s regulatory capacity for more effective oversight and regulation of Nigeria’s ID system.
“The objectives of the bill are as follows: (a) Expanding the scope of registrable persons by broadening the eligibility criteria for registration under the Nigeria ID System to ensure inclusivity and universal coverage,” Senator Fasuyi explained.
The proposed bill will allow all residents in Nigeria to obtain a NIN and use it as a recognized form of identification. Additionally, it will streamline the sharing of personal data by incorporating robust data protection measures, safeguarding individuals’ privacy and confidentiality, and fostering trust among citizens.
Senator Fasuyi further emphasized that the bill will enhance NIMC’s administrative enforcement powers to ensure timely and accurate compliance with ID registration requirements. It aims to remove criminal penalties for non-use of NIN, encouraging compliance through administrative measures instead.
Following contributions from other senators, the Senate passed the bill for a second reading.
