Senate pursues new regulatory regime for NIMC

The Senate is pursuing a new regulatory regime for the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

A bill that was sponsored to the effect by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin passed the second reading in the Senate on Tuesday.

The bill which was read for the first time on June 5 provides for the establishment of a National Identity Database.

The NIMC is charged with the responsibilities for the maintenance of the national database, the registration of individuals, and the issuance of identity credentials.

The bill seeks to enhance 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 objective of the bill also includes streamlining the sharing of personal data, incorporating robust data protection measures to safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of individuals’ data, and fostering trust among citizens in the handling of their information among others.

The proposed legislation also aims at removing criminalization for non-use of NIN, replacing criminal penalties with administrative enforcement measures instead of imposing undue legal consequences on individuals.

Leading debate on the Bill during plenary, Cyril Fasuyi, the Senator representing Ekiti North argued that 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.

He said the proposed legislation is crucial for the socioeconomic and political development of the 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 added.

“The legislative intents and purports of the Bill, are geared towards achieving several objectives aimed at fostering inclusion, universal coverage, and accessibility. Unarguably, this will unlock significant financial and security benefits for the nation”, he further said.

After debate on the Bill, the Senate President who presided over the session put the Bill to a voice vote , and majority of Senators voted that the Bill be read for a second time.