Lawmakers begin works on new NIMC Act

Desirous of enhancing the reliability of Nigeria’s identification system, the National Assembly has begun the processes to re-enact a new law for the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and streamline its registration process.

Kayode Adegoke, the Head of the Corporate Communications Unit of the commission said the reenactment is part of the moves to strengthen the regulatory function of NIMC.

The amendment, which will enhance the efficacy and inclusivity of the Identity Management System, embodies several proposed amendments designed to improve the effectiveness and inclusivity of the Nigeria ID System.

The amendments, when passed to a new act, will fortify the foundational framework of the NIMC and its operations by expanding the scope of registrable persons. 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.

The new act is expected 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. It will also enhance NIMC’s administrative enforcement power to ensure timely and accurate compliance with ID registration requirements.