Leading opposition parties, various Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and prominent Nigerians have voiced strong opposition to the Senate’s proposed bill to repeal the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act of 2017.
This bill aims to expand the eligibility for registration to include all residents in Nigeria, not just citizens.
The Senate advanced the bill to its second reading on July 2, 2024, without significant debate. The bill, titled “National Identity Management Commission (Repeal and Enactment) Bill 2024 (SB. 472),” is sponsored by the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin (Kano North).
The proposed legislation seeks to allow residents of Nigeria, irrespective of nationality, to obtain and use a National Identification Number (NIN) as a recognised form of identification. Additionally, it aims to replace criminal penalties with administrative measures to encourage compliance with NIN requirements.
A copy of the bill obtained by *Daily Trust* reveals that it includes provisions for the registration of people both within Nigeria and at licensed centers abroad. It also stipulates that the Act applies regardless of whether an offense is committed within Nigeria or by any person, regardless of nationality.
Opposition and criticism have emerged from various quarters. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed the bill as suspicious and economically irrelevant. PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Abdullahi Ibrahim, criticised the Senate for focusing on this issue amidst widespread economic hardship, suggesting ulterior motives behind the bill.
Similarly, the Labour Party (LP) condemned the bill, arguing that registering non-Nigerians as if they were citizens would be inappropriate. Dr. Yunusa Tanko, Chief Spokesman of the LP’s Presidential Campaign Organisation, emphasised the potential for controversy and data integrity issues.
Former House of Representatives member Bernard Mikko labelled the bill politically motivated, warning against equating residents with citizens. Mikko stressed the importance of distinguishing between temporary resident permits and permanent NIN, raising concerns about electoral implications.
CSOs have also expressed alarm. Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi, Executive Director of the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), cautioned that the bill threatens Nigeria’s sovereignty and urged the National Assembly to deliberate thoroughly before proceeding. He called for clear guidelines on NIN eligibility for foreigners and robust immigration policies to safeguard national security.
Contrarily, some voices see potential benefits in the bill. Mr. Tunde Salman of the Good Governance Team (GGT) Nigeria suggested that the bill could support various government initiatives requiring background checks. He emphasized the need to address gaps in the current NIMC legislation.
The debate continues as the Senate moves forward with the controversial bill.
