Senate Okays Bill to Allow Foreigners in Nigeria Obtain NINs

The Senate on Tuesday passed for a second reading a bill seeking to allow all persons including foreigners resident in Nigeria the right to obtain and use National Identification Numbers (NINs).

Engineer Abisoye Coker-Odusote, DG, NIMC

The bill also seeks to replace criminal penalties with administrative enforcement measures to encourage compliance with NIN usage requirements without imposing “undue legal consequences” on individuals.

The bill, which was sponsored by Sen. Barau Jibrin, deputy president of the Senate, seeks to broaden the eligibility criteria for registration 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”, Jibrin informed the Senate in his lead debate.

The title of the bill reads, “A Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2007, and to Provide for the Establishment of a National Identity Database and the National Identity Management Commission Charged with the Responsibilities for Maintenance of the National Database, the Registration of Individuals, and the Issuance of Identity Credentials; and for Related Matters, 2024. The lead debate on the general principles of the  bill was read by Senator Cyril Fasuyi (Ekiti North) during plenary as the sponsor, Senator Barau Jibrin, presided over the session.

The lead debate on the general principles of the bill was read by Senator Cyril Fasuyi (Ekiti North) during plenary as the sponsor, Senator Barau Jibrin, presided over the session.

Senator Fasuyi said the bill seeks to repeal the extant Act and enact a new regulatory regime for the National Identity Management Commission, adding it  is aimed at enhancing the NIMC’s regulatory capacity to enable more effective oversight and regulation of the Nigeria ID System.

The senator said, “The objectives of the bill are as follows: (a) Expanding 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.

“(b) Streamlining the sharing of personal data 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.

“(c) Enhancing administrative enforcement powers. The efficiency and effectiveness of the NIMC’s enforcement powers will ensure timely and accurate compliance with ID registration requirements.

“(d) Removing Criminalization for Non-Use of NIN: Replacing criminal penalties with administrative enforcement measures to encourage compliance with NIN usage requirements without imposing undue legal consequences on individuals.”

The senators debated and passed the bill