The Senate on Wednesday approved a bill mandating the compulsory registration of citizens, aiming to reform Nigeria’s identity management framework by repealing and reenacting the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act.
This decision followed the submission and consideration of a report by the Committee on National Identity Card and Population, chaired by Senator Victor Umeh of Anambra Central.
Umeh explained that the legislation seeks to establish a harmonised, cost-effective identity system that aligns with global best practices, enhances data accuracy, promotes inclusion, and closes existing gaps in Nigeria’s identity database.
If enacted into law, the bill also provides for the creation of a centralized database and a commission responsible for registering citizens and issuing identity cards. It now awaits consideration by the House of Representatives before being forwarded to the President for assent.
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