NIMC SUES FOR FORTIFIED FRAMEWORK TO BRIDGE MARGINALIZED GAP and PROMOTE POPULATION INCLUSIVITY
The Director General, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote has sued for a fortified legislative framework to enable the commission bridge marginalized gap and promote population inclusivity.
said ” technology constraints is a a major challenge confronting the commission, adding that The Data Communication Act Bill will safeguard data and facilitate the registration of previously excluded individuals.”
She underscores the gains of fortifying the existing legislative framework to enhance inclusivity and expand registration initiatives to take care of marginalized populations, including women and children.
The NIMC boss reveals this at an interactive session of the National Assembly joint committee on National Population and National Identity held on Wednesday in Abuja.
Meanwhile, chairman, Senate Committee on National Identity and Nationa Population, Senator Ahmed Abdul Ningi, Bauchi central emphasized the necessity of empowering the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) with regulations, saying that Nigeria must make strategic investments for national security.
Explains that the initiative is aimed at elevating standards, reduce energy expenditures, foster economic progress, and align with international best standard in identity management, particularly within the developing and global space..
“As delineated in the 2024 bill proposal, the salient issues encompass a dearth of adequate funding and resources, archaic and incomplete registration procedures, limited outreach and enrollment rates, flawed and deficient data records, restricted utilization of cutting-edge technologies like biometrics and digital identity, scant public awareness and education, inadequate proficiency and skills among NIMC personnel, and non-adherence to global standards and best practices.
“These obstacles and constraints have impeded progress. The ineffective enactment of the legislation over the past few years has yielded an incomplete and erroneous national identity database, curtailed access to government services and financial inclusion, heightened instances of identity fraud and theft, hindered efficient governance and service provision.
“The establishment of the National Identity Management Commission, coupled with the legislative framework, aims to institute a coherent and inclusive identity system governed by a less restrictive, cumbersome, discriminatory, and punitive regime, emphasizing data protection rights, cost efficiency, and alignment with global best practices.
“The bill seeks to redress the prevailing challenges and limitations of the extant legislation and establish a more robust and effective national identity management system conducive to the country’s advancement and prosperity moving forward.
“The bill introduces provisions such as the establishment of a national identity registry, the centralization of a national identity database, the issuance of multifaceted national identity cards, and the integration of biometric technology to fortify security measures; these are unprecedented.
“We urge stakeholders to engage with us on this matter, offer their insights, expertise, and counsel grounded in scientific principles and global knowledge accumulation.
