The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill for a second reading that proposes granting all persons, including foreigners residing in Nigeria, the right to obtain and use a National Identification Number (NIN).
Sponsored by Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin, the bill aims to overhaul the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) by repealing existing legislation and introducing a new regulatory framework.
Senator Cyril Fasuyi, who led the debate on behalf of Senator Barau Jibrin, outlined the bill’s objectives during plenary. These include broadening the eligibility criteria for NIN registration to ensure inclusivity, enhancing data protection measures, and strengthening administrative enforcement powers.
Importantly, the bill seeks to replace criminal penalties with administrative measures to encourage compliance with NIN usage without imposing severe legal consequences.
The Senate’s approval signifies support for expanding the scope of NIN issuance and improving regulatory oversight over Nigeria’s ID system. The bill now moves forward for further deliberation and potential enactment into law, pending additional legislative procedures.
(Daily Trust)