- The National Assembly is enacting a new NIMC Act to strengthen identity management, enhancing inclusivity and national security in Nigeria
- The updated bill aims to streamline personal data sharing and improve compliance with ID registration, fostering trust in the system
According to the National Identity Management Commission’s (NIMC) Director General (DG), Engr Abisoye Coker-Odusote, a new act enacted by the National Assembly will strengthen the NIMC’s identity regulatory function.
The National Assembly has repealed and enacted NIMC Act No. 23 as part of its efforts to enhance NIMC’s regulatory function.
In a statement over the weekend, Ms Coker-Odusote said the new NIMC bill represents a legislative endeavour to improve the identity management system’s efficacy and inclusivity.
She said, “This updated and comprehensive bill embodies several proposed amendments designed to improve the effectiveness and inclusivity of the Nigerian ID system.”
Ms. Coker-Odusote explained that the amendments aim to fortify the foundational framework of NIMC and its operations by expanding the scope of registrable persons.
The country’s benefits include a more comprehensive and inclusive identification system, which enhances national security, facilitates efficient service delivery, and promotes financial inclusion.
She added, “The bill also aims to streamline the sharing of personal data, incorporating robust data protection measures to safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of individuals’ data and foster trust among citizens in handling their information. It also enhances NIMC’s administrative enforcement power to ensure timely and accurate compliance with ID registration requirements.”
Ms. Coker-Odusote stated that the NIMC Repeal and Enactment Bill, when passed into law, would lead to a more streamlined registration process, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and enhancing the reliability of the Nigerian ID system.