Senate Passes Bill To Repeal, Re-enact NIMC Law
The Senate on Wednesday passed a bill aimed at repealing and re-enacting the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act. This move comes after the Senate Committee on National Identity Card and Population presented its report during plenary in Abuja.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Victor Umeh (LP-Anambra), explained that the bill seeks to establish a national identity database and strengthen the mandate of the NIMC. Once enacted, the reformed law would empower the commission to maintain the national identity database, register individuals, and issue identity credentials.
Senator Umeh emphasized that the bill will enhance biometric data collection and enable NIMC to issue regulations and guidelines for the Act’s implementation, along with other related matters. He added that the revised law is designed to create an inclusive and universally accessible foundational identification system, governed by flexible, non-discriminatory, and cost-effective data protection measures that comply with global standards.
The bill is set to address the challenges and limitations present in the National Identity Management Commission Act of 2007. It aims to resolve issues related to gaps in the national identity database, ensuring better governance and service delivery.
The bill received overwhelming support from stakeholders during the public hearing, who stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive national identity system.
In addition to the NIMC law, the Senate also passed the Orthopaedic Hospital Amendments Bill, 2025. The bill’s passage followed the consideration of the report presented by Senator Osita Ngwu (PDP-Enugu), on behalf of the Committee on Health.
