Senate passes bill for mandatory citizen registration

The Senate passed a bill on Wednesday, March 26, that mandates the compulsory registration of citizens, aiming to overhaul Nigeria’s identity management system. This move follows the repeal and reenactment of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act.

The passage came after the Committee on National Identity Card and Population, chaired by Senator Victor Umeh of Anambra Central, submitted and considered a report on the matter. Umeh explained that the legislation seeks to establish a harmonized, cost-effective identity system that aligns with global best practices. The bill also aims to enhance data accuracy, promote inclusion, and close gaps in Nigeria’s existing identity database.

Once signed into law, the bill will create a centralized database and a commission responsible for registering citizens and issuing identity cards. The legislation now awaits consideration by the House of Representatives before being forwarded to the President for assent.