The Senate, on Tuesday, took further steps to bring to reality its proposal to decriminalise non- use of National Identity Number (NIN) by Nigerians.
Accordingly, the apex legislative Chamber passed for second reading of the bill for the repeal and reenactment of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) 2024.
Leading the debate on the bill, sponsored by Senator Barau Jibrin (Kano, North) and read by Senator Cyril Fasuyi (Ekiti North), Barau said that the legislation was designed to remove criminalisation for Non-use of NIN.
Barau said: “This bill aims at replacing criminal penalties with administrative enforcement measures to encourage compliance with NIN usage requirements without imposing undue legal consequences on individuals.”
“Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, permit me to lead the debate on the general principles of the National Identity Management (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2024 (SB. 472). The Bill seeks to repeal the extant Act and enact a new regulatory regime for the National Identity Management Commission. The Bill was read for the first time on Wednesday, 5th June, 2024, in this Chamber.
“The Bill represents a significant legislative endeavour aimed at enhancing the efficiency and inclusivity of the Identity Management System through comprehensive provisions designed to improve and update the extant provisions in line with global best practices.
“The proposed legislation is crucial for the socioeconomic and political development of this country, as a robust identity management system forms the foundation for national security and an effective identity management system. This is imperative, especially with technological advancement, which has led to an astronomical rise in crimes relating to identity theft globally,” he stated.
According to Barau who is the Deputy President of the Senate and presided over Tuesday’s plenary session, one of the objectives of the bill is to expand the scope of registrable persons.
“By broadening the eligibility criteria for registration under the Nigeria ID System to ensure inclusivity and universal coverage. This allows all persons resident in Nigeria to obtain a National Identification Number (NIN) and utilise it as a recognised form of identification,” Barau stated.
Other objectives of the bill, according to Barau include streamlining the sharing of Personal Data, saying, “by incorporating robust data protection measures to not only safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of individuals’ data but also to foster trust among citizens in the landing of their information.
“Enhancing Administrative Enforcement Powers: The efficiency and effectiveness of the NIMC’s enforcement powers will ensure timely and accurate compliance with ID registration requirements. This will lead to a more streamlined registration process, thereby reducing bureaucratic hurdles and enhancing the reliability of the Nigeria ID System.
“Strengthening Regulatory Functions: Enhancing the NIMC’s regulatory capacity to enable more effective oversight and regulation of the Nigeria ID System. This ensures adherence to established standards and guidelines, fostering public trust in the integrity and reliability of the system.
Enhancing NIMC’s Harmonization Role: Strengthening the NIMC’s role in harmonising various identification systems across Ministries, Departments and Agencies to promote interoperability and coherence across different sectors.”
After the presentation of the lead debate, the lawmakers unanimously supported its passage for second reading.
