Senate Approves Bill for Mandatory Citizen Registration

New Bill Mandates Citizen Registration: Senate Votes Yes

​On March 26, 2025, the Nigerian Senate passed a bill mandating compulsory registration of all citizens, aiming to overhaul the nation’s identity management system. This legislative action involves the repeal and reenactment of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act.

Key Aspects of the Bill:

• Mandatory Registration: All Nigerian citizens are required to register with the NIMC to obtain a National Identification Number (NIN), which will serve as a primary means of identification nationwide.​
• Enhanced Regulatory Powers: The bill seeks to strengthen the NIMC’s authority, enabling more effective oversight and regulation of Nigeria’s identity management system.
• Data Protection Measures: It incorporates robust data protection provisions to safeguard individuals’ privacy and confidentiality, fostering public trust in the identity management process.​
• Administrative Enforcement: The legislation replaces criminal penalties with administrative measures to encourage compliance with NIN requirements without imposing undue legal consequences on individuals.​

This legislative move reflects the government’s commitment to establishing a comprehensive and secure identity management framework, aiming to enhance national security, streamline service delivery, and promote socio-economic development.​