Breaking News: Senate Passes Bill for Compulsory NIN Registration

It will soon be compulsory to register with the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, if the bill on the matter passed by the Senate is signed into law.

The bill, which aims to create a comprehensive database of all citizens, is expected to have far-reaching implications for national security, economic planning, and social services.

The bill, titled “National Identity Management Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023,” was passed after a thorough debate and consideration by the Senate.

The legislation seeks to amend the existing National Identity Management Commission Act, 2007, to make registration with the NIMC mandatory for all Nigerians.

According to the bill, all citizens, including children, are required to register with the NIMC and obtain a unique National Identity Number (NIN). The NIN will serve as a single identifier for all Nigerians, replacing the need for multiple identification cards and documents.

Former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, hailed the passage of the bill as a “major milestone” in the country’s efforts to create a modern and efficient identity management system.

“This bill is a critical step towards building a secure and prosperous Nigeria. With a comprehensive database of all citizens, we can better plan for the future, improve our security, and provide more effective social services to our people,” he said

The bill’s sponsor, Senator Ibrahim Gobir, explained that the legislation is designed to address the challenges of identity management in Nigeria, adding, “For too long, our country has struggled with issues of identity verification, which has hindered our ability to plan and deliver services effectively.”

“This bill will help us to create a reliable and secure database of all Nigerians, which will facilitate economic development, improve security, and enhance our international reputation.”