On Wednesday, the Senate passed a bill mandating the compulsory registration of citizens as part of efforts to overhaul Nigeria’s identity management system.
The bill, which repeals and reenacts the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act, was passed following the submission and review of a report by the Committee on National Identity Card and Population, chaired by Senator Victor Umeh of Anambra Central.
Senator Umeh explained that the legislation aims to establish a harmonized, cost-effective identity system that adheres to global best practices, improves data accuracy, promotes inclusion, and addresses gaps in Nigeria’s identity database.
Once signed into law, the bill will create a centralized database and establish a commission tasked with registering citizens and issuing identity cards. The bill now awaits consideration by the House of Representatives before being forwarded to the President for assent.
