The Senate passed a bill on Wednesday, March 26 that requires mandatory registration of citizens, aiming to overhaul the identity management system in Nigeria. This move is abolishing and re-engineering the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act.
The adoption came after the National Identity and Population Commission chaired by Senator Victor Umeh of Anambra Central, which submitted and considered the report on the matter. Umeh explained that the legislation aims to create a coordinated, cost-effective identity system that is consistent with global best practices. The bill also aims to improve data accuracy in existing identity databases in Nigeria and promote inclusion and close distances.
Once signed into law, the bill will create a centralized database and a committee responsible for registering citizens and issuing ID cards. The legislation is now awaiting considerations from the House and then forwarded to the president for approval.
