The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act, 2007 Repeal Bill currently before the National Assembly holds the potential to strengthen the commission in its quest to build Nigeria’s digital public infrastructure (DPI) and populate the National Identity Database (NIDB) and other innovations.
The work on the new bill, which passed second reading in the Senate and aims to ensure the efficacy and inclusivity of the Identity Management System, is expected to be completed as the new legislative session kicked off yesterday.
It 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.
According to the head, Corporate Communications Unit of NIMC, Kayode Adegoke, the amendments seek to fortify the foundational framework of the commission and its operations by expanding the scope of registrable persons.
“This updated and comprehensive bill embodies several proposed amendments designed to improve the effectiveness and inclusivity of the Nigerian ID System.
“The benefit to the country is a more comprehensive and inclusive identification system, which enhances national security, facilitates efficient service delivery and promotes financial inclusion Kayode said
“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 the handling of their information,” he added
“Other benefits of the bill is to enhance NIMC’s administrative enforcement powers to ensure timely and accurate compliance with ID registration requirements.
“The NIMC repeal and enactment bill, when passed into law, will lead to a more streamlined registration process, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and enhancing the reliability of the Nigeria ID System” Kayode said.
The NIMC has been playing a crucial role in building Nigeria’s digital public infrastructure (DPI)
The commission has partnered different government agencies to enhance identity management, payment systems, and data exchange over time to actualize this goal
The DPI framework utilises data from NIMC and the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System, NIBSS, to facilitate secure access to public services
President Bola Tinubu had also reaffirmed his commitment to this initiative, emphasising its importance in driving national development and ensuring access to essential services
According to the president, the government is building a digital public infrastructure, DPI, to ascertain the basic needs of people across the country.
The president, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, spoke late last year at NIMC’s 6th National Day of Identity Conference in Abuja, where the commission also reaffirmed its commitment to providing secure identity services and protecting the citizens’ data, given its mandate as Nigeria’s foundational identity provider.
