Senate approves bill for mandatory registration of Nigerians

On Wednesday, the Senate passed a bill that mandates the compulsory registration of Nigerians, aiming to reform the country’s identity management system through the repeal and reenactment of the National Identity Management Commission Act.
The bill also proposes the creation of a centralized database and a commission tasked with registering citizens and issuing identity cards.
The passage of the bill came after the Senate adopted the report presented by Senator Victor Umeh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Identity Card and Population. Umeh, who represents Anambra Central under the Labour Party, explained that the new agency would be responsible for maintaining the national identity database, registering individuals, and issuing identity credentials.
He said, “The bill will facilitate the creation of a national identity database, enhance biometric data collection, and empower the NIMC to issue regulations and guidelines for implementing the Act and other related matters.”
The senator also assured that the Act would create a more efficient identity system, governed by data protection measures that are less restrictive, non-discriminatory, and cost-effective, while adhering to global standards. Umeh further noted that the bill garnered strong support from stakeholders during the public hearing, reflecting the urgent need for a comprehensive national identity system.