The Senate yesterday passed for second reading, a bill to strengthen the regulatory duties of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and to further enhance Nigeria’s identity system. The bill, which was sponsored by the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, seeks to broaden the eligibility criteria for registration to ensure inclusivity and universal coverage. Barau said the proposed legislation would allow all persons resident in Nigeria to obtain a National Identification Number (NIN) and utilise it as a recognised form of identification. It was titled: “A Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2007, and to Provide for the Establishment of a National Identity Database and the National Identity Management Commission Charged with the Responsibilities for Maintenance of the National Database, the Registration of Individuals, and the Issuance of Identity Credentials; and for Related Matters, 2024.” Barau said the bill would streamline 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.