To tackle the menace of identity fraud, multiple identities, and instability in Nigeria, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Interior, intends to enforce the registration and certification of Nigerian residents as mandatory.
This decision was reached during a meeting of the Nigerian Senate, Service Chiefs, Heads of Security Agencies, and several Ministers in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet, held on Tuesday.
At the resumed plenary of the Senate on January 30, 2024, the Security Chiefs were summoned for an interactive session to address the increasing incidents of kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, homicides, and other criminal activities across the nation.
Among those invited were Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Defence; Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior; Wale Edun, Minister of Finance; Ibrahim Gaidam, Minister of Police Affairs; Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA); Yusuf Bichi, Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS); and Ahmed Abubakar, Director of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
Additionally, top military officials including General Chris Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and IGP Kayode Egbetokun were in attendance.
During the session, Senator Akpabio stated, “We inquired from the Interior Minister about strategies to apprehend criminals within the country.
“We discussed the standardization and certification of a citizen’s identity through VIN, BVN, NIN, etc. The objective is to consolidate these identifiers to ensure each citizen has a single identity. This will prevent individuals from assuming multiple identities, facilitating easier apprehension in the event of criminal activities.”
He further elaborated, “We received assurances regarding the enhancement of border patrol and the urgent release of funds for the acquisition of necessary equipment to bolster the effectiveness of our Service Chiefs and security personnel.”
Senator Adaramodu echoed the Parliament’s confidence in the Security Chiefs, expressing satisfaction with the progress made in combating insurgency.
He remarked, “The Service Chiefs have allayed our concerns and provided satisfactory explanations on their comprehensive plans to address security challenges.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in announcing the Senate’s resolution, commended the ongoing efforts of the security agencies in apprehending criminals and emphasized the need for continued collaboration between the legislative and executive arms of government to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.
