Data Communication Act meant to safeguard data – NIMC DG

Data Communication Act is meant to safeguard data, ensure new births capture and facilitation and registration of previously excluded individuals, the Director General of National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote has said.

The NIMC boss spoke at an interactive session of the National Assembly joint committee on National Identity and National Population held on Wednesday in Abuja.

While reacting to the committee on the update of proposed bill on “Data Communication Act Bill of Nigeria”, she highlighted the technological constraints confronting NIMC.

Coker-Odusote stressed the imperative of fortifying existing framework and legislation, to enhance inclusivity and expand registration initiatives to take care of marginalized populations, including women and children.

According to her, the bill will facilitate the registration of all individuals within Nigeria’s territorial confines, expand the scope to encompass previously overlooked segments of the population.”

Meanwhile, chairman Senate Committee on National Identity and National Population, Senator Ahmed Abdul Ningi, emphasized the necessity of empowering the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) with regulations, saying that Nigeria must make strategic investments for national security.

Ningi, who represents Bauchi central at the 10th senate explained that the initiative is aimed at elevating standards, reduce energy expenditures, foster economic progress, and align with international norms and benchmarks in identity management, particularly within the developing and global spheres.

He said “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 novel 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.

“We urge stakeholders to engage with us on this matter, offer their insights, expertise, and counsel grounded in scientific principles and global knowledge accumulation.

“By fostering collaboration and support, we aim to ensure that this bill, once enacted, upholds transparency, accountability in the legislative process, and garners consensus and backing.”