Nigerians Reject Inclusion of Foreigners in NIN Registration: Leading opposition parties, some Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and other prominent Nigerians have rejected the Senate’s bill to repeal the National Identity Management Commission Act, 2017, to make provision for registration of not just Nigerians but all other persons resident in Nigeria.
The Senate passed the bill for a second reading on July 2, 2024, without a serious debate even though it seeks to broaden the eligibility criteria for registration to include those who are not citizens of Nigeria.
Details of the Proposal
Daily Trust reports that the bill titled, ‘National Identity Management Commission (Repeal and enactment) Bill 2024 (SB. 472),” is sponsored by the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau I. Jibrin (Kano North).
The bill seeks to give persons resident in Nigeria the right to obtain and use National Identification Number (NIN) and utilize it as a recognized form of identification.
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It also seeks to replace criminal penalties with administrative enforcement measures to encourage compliance with NIN usage requirements without imposing “undue legal consequences” on individuals.
A copy of the bill obtained by Daily Trust showed that apart from the controversial clause of inclusivity, universal coverage and broadening the eligibility criteria for registration, it also seeks the registration of registrable persons within Nigeria and at licensed centres outside Nigeria.
Part 1 (2) of the bill which is titled, ‘Application’, in subsection (1) says, “This Act shall apply to registration of registrable persons within Nigeria and at licensed centres outside Nigeria, and the management and operation of the National Identity Database and related matters.”
Subsection (2) says, “Without prejudice to (1), this Act shall apply whether or not an act qualifying as an offence or contravention of this Act is committed in Nigeria by any person, irrespective of nationality.”
Similarly, Part V1 (17) of the bill titled, ‘Registrable Persons’, says, “Every citizen and resident of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be entitled to obtain a National Identification Number by undergoing the process of enrolment in accordance with the provisions of this Act.”
Part V1 (18) titled, ‘Registration of Registrable Persons’ among other things provides that “The Commission shall take special measures to enrol, and issue National Identity Numbers to such persons who do not have any permanent place of residence and such other categories of individuals as may be specified by regulations.”
It also aims at establishing a National Identity Database and the National Identity Management Commission charged with the responsibilities of maintenance of the National Database, the registration of individuals, and the issuance of identity credentials, among others.
How it scaled second reading
Supporting the bill, Senator Cyril Fasuyi (Ekiti North) said it is aimed at enhancing the NIMC’s regulatory capacity for more effective oversight and regulation of the Nigeria ID System.
The lawmaker said, “The objectives of the bill are as follows: 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.
“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 landing of their information.
“Enhancing administrative enforcement powers. The efficiency and effectiveness of the NIMC’s enforcement powers will ensure timely and accurate compliance with ID registration requirements.’’
Public Outcry and Concerns
But opposition parties, CSOs and others who reacted in separate interviews told Daily Trust that the bill sponsored by a senator who is a member of the ruling party (APC) is suspicious, alleging it has a political undertone.
Move suspicious – PDP
The leading opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the bill saying it is suspicious and of no economic value, especially at a time Nigerians are going through economic hardship.
The PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Abdullahi Ibrahim, told Daily Trust that there are more important things the National Assembly can do to assuage the economic impasse facing the people than the issue of NIN.
“The Senate cannot think of people-oriented policies that will alleviate the suffering of the people, instead they are talking about things that are irrelevant at this point in time.
“Getting everyone including non-Nigerians to get NIN is suspicious. What is the motive? Why are they more concerned about this type of policy and giving it expeditious attention that it will even emanate from the Deputy Senate President? It leaves much to be desired.
“So as a party and people who are with the ordinary citizens and the voice of opposition, we are not in support; we do not see any sincerity in it,’’ he said.
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