By Fatima Saka
Chairman Senate Committee on National Identity and National Population, Senator Ahmed Abdul Ningi, emphasized the necessity of empowering the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) with regulations, saying that Nigeria must make strategic investments for national security.
He added that the initiative aims to elevate governance standards, reduce energy expenditures, foster economic progress, and align with international norms and benchmarks in identity management, particularly within the developing and global spheres.
These was revealed during an update on the Proposed Bill, “Data Communication Act Bill of Nigeria”, meeting with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) at a joint session of the Senate Committee on National Identity and National Population and the House of Representatives on Wednesday in Abuja.
Senator Ningi, representing the Bauchi central senatorial district, underscored the imminent challenges and constraints associated with this legislation, underscoring the exigency of proactive measures in this domain.
“As delineated in the 2024 bill proposal, the salient issues encompass a dearth of adequate funding and resources, archaic and incomplete registration procedures, limited outreach and enrollment rates, absence of interoperability with governmental databases, flawed and deficient data records, restricted utilization of cutting-edge technologies like biometrics and digital identity, scant public awareness and education, inadequate proficiency and skills among NIMC personnel, and non-adherence to global standards and best practices.
“These obstacles and constraints have impeded progress. The ineffective enactment of the legislation over the past few years has yielded an incomplete and erroneous national identity database, curtailed access to government services and financial inclusion, heightened instances of identity fraud and theft, hindered efficient governance and service provision, and stymied economic development and growth.
“The establishment of the National Identity Management Commission, coupled with the legislative framework, aims to institute a coherent and inclusive identity system governed by a less restrictive, cumbersome, discriminatory, and punitive regime, emphasizing data protection rights, cost efficiency, and alignment with global best practices.
“The bill seeks to redress the prevailing challenges and limitations of the extant legislation and establish a more robust and effective national identity management system conducive to the country’s advancement and prosperity moving forward.
“The bill introduces novel provisions such as the establishment of a national identity registry, the centralization of a national identity database, the issuance of multifaceted national identity cards, and the integration of biometric technology to fortify security measures.
“We urge stakeholders to engage with us on this matter, offering their insights, expertise, and counsel grounded in scientific principles and global knowledge accumulation. By fostering collaboration and support, we aim to ensure that this bill, once enacted, upholds transparency, accountability in the legislative process, and garners consensus and backing.”
In response, the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, highlighted the technological constraints confronting NIMC.
She emphasized the rapid evolution of technology worldwide and stressed the imperative of fortifying the existing framework and legislation, enhancing inclusivity, and expanding registration initiatives to encompass marginalized populations, including women and children.
According to the Lead Communication of NIMC, the Data Communication Act Bill of Nigeria will safeguard Nigerian data and facilitate the registration of previously excluded individuals.
“The bill will facilitate the registration of all individuals within Nigeria’s territorial confines, expanding the scope to encompass previously overlooked segments of the population.”
