Foreigners To Be Empowered By New Law, Must Obtain NIN, Says Senate

There is the prospect for foreigners who are resident of Nigeria to obtain and use the National Identification Number (NIN).

This impetus is on the premise that the Nigerian Senate has, on Tuesday, moved the bill seeking to make that possible, through a second reading.

The bill was sponsored by the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin (Kano North), and it is titled, ‘National Identify Management Commission (Repeal and enactment) Bill 2024 (SB. 472).”

Also, the bill seeks to replace criminal penalties with administrative enforcement measures to encourage compliance with NIN usage requirements without imposing “undue legal consequences” on individuals.

Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, during plenary, Senator Cyril Fasuyi (Ekiti North) who presided over the session said the bill seeks to repeal the extant Act and enact a new regulatory regime for the National Identity Management Commission.

Senator Fasuyi stated 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 utilize it as a recognized 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 landing 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.”