Bill to allow foreigners in Nigeria obtain NIN scales first reading in Senate
By Emma Ogbuehi
Even as bandits and sundry terrorists, most of them believed to be non-Nigerians, continue to wreck havoc in the country, the Senate on Tuesday passed for a second reading a bill seeking to allow all persons including foreigners resident in Nigeria the right to obtain and use National Identification Number (NIN).
The bill also seeks to replace criminal penalties with administrative enforcement measures to encourage compliance with NIN usage requirements without imposing “undue legal consequences” on individuals.
The bill sponsored by the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin (Kano North), is titled, ‘National Identify Management Commission (Repeal and enactment) Bill 2024 (SB. 472).”
The lead debate on the general principles of the bill was read by Senator Cyril Fasuyi (Ekiti North) during plenary as the sponsor, Senator Barau Jibrin, presided over the session.
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Senator Fasuyi said the bill seeks to repeal the extant Act and enact a new regulatory regime for the National Identity Management Commission, adding that it is aimed at enhancing the NIMC’s regulatory capacity to enable more effective oversight and regulation of the Nigeria ID System.
The senator said, “The objectives of the bill are as follows: (a) Expanding the scope of registrable persons by broadening the eligibility criteria for registration under the Nigeria ID System to ensure inclusivity and universal coverage.
“This allows all persons resident in Nigeria to obtain a National Identification Number (NIN) and utilise it as a recognised form of identification.
“(b) Streamlining the sharing of personal data by incorporating robust data protection measures to not only safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of individuals’ data but also to foster trust among citizens in the handling of their information.
“(c) Enhancing administrative enforcement powers. The efficiency and effectiveness of the NIMC’s enforcement powers will ensure timely and accurate compliance with ID registration requirements.
“(d) Removing Criminalization for Non-Use of NIN: Replacing criminal penalties with administrative enforcement measures to encourage compliance with NIN usage requirements without imposing undue legal consequences on individuals.”
The senators debated and passed the bill for second reading.