Nigeria inches towards mandatory citizen registration if new regulation approved

Nigeria is in the process of making registration for national digital ID compulsory for every citizen under any circumstance. This aspect is contained in a draft text which is currently in the National Assembly for examination.

Last week, the bill passed second reading in the senate, meaning it has to now be also vetted by the House of Representatives before it can be assented to by the President if he has no objections.

Per Channels TV, the bill passed second reading in the upper chamber of parliament after a report submitted by the Committee on National Identity Card and Population was reviewed and adopted.

The Chairmen of the committee, Senator Victor Umeh, is quoted as saying that the bill is a repeal and re-enactment of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act.

The objective of the draft text, the lawmaker said, is to streamline digital ID registration in Nigeria by putting in place a harmonized system that is cost-effective and meets global standards for digital ID management.

There have been talks by the Nigerian government, including a recommendation of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Crimes, for all government databases to be harmonized as a way of revolutionizing identity verification.

According to the bill, as reported, a centralized identity repository will be created, as well as a new commission that will have the specific responsibility to enroll citizens and issue national digital ID cards. It is not totally clear if this commission will fully take the ID issuance responsibility currently under the NIMC.

These proposed changes envisaging compulsory ID enrollment in Nigeria align with broader efforts of the government to strengthen the country’s digital ID legal framework, a process that started sometime last year and announced by NIMC, and is part of conditions to unlock funds for the World Bank-sponsored digital ID program ongoing in the country.

Last year, a proposed amendment to the NIMC Act 2007 also called for compulsory digital ID for foreign nationals living in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, recently, Nigerian senators also called for a probe into reports that the cost of internet data is skyrocketing. The senators called on the Committee on Communications to look into the situation, warning that the high cost of data discourages active participation in the digital economy, Business Day reports.

By Ayang Macdonald, Biometric Update

12 killed in clash between Nigerian troops and anti-Israel Quds Day protesters

The Nigerian military on Sunday accused “outrageously violent” protesters at a pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel procession in the capital Abuja of opening fire at security forces on Friday, triggering violence that killed 12 people.

According to a government intelligence report seen by AFP, 11 protesters and one soldier were killed in the clash at the demonstration against Israel amid the Gaza war that was sparked by the Hamas onslaught of October 7, 2023.

The protest was held Friday in Abuja by the Iran-linked Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN). Supporters of the banned Shiite movement had gathered for International Quds Day — the last Friday of Ramadan, when rallies are held across the Muslim world in support of Palestinians.

Amnesty International’s Nigeria branch said soldiers fired live rounds at protesters as a form of crowd control — events the military disputed.

“The protesters threw decorum to the wind, became outrageously violent by firing at and attempting to overrun security operatives deployed at anticipated flash points,” Nigerian army spokesman Major General Onyema Nwachukwu told AFP.

“Sadly, in the exchange of fire that ensued as the troops defended themselves, one soldier was killed in action while two were wounded.”

The IMN has been outlawed by Nigerian authorities for advocating an Islamic revolution in the West African nation. However, at the time of its banning, in 2019, researchers characterized it as more interested in protest than political violence.

In August, an attack by IMN members killed two law enforcement officers, police said.

Disputed events

After Friday’s protest, the IMN said on social media that the Nigerian Army “attacked the procession and several people sustained gunshot injuries,” without giving a toll.

The intelligence report said 19 people were injured and 295 others arrested. A soldier was also injured.

Sharing a video of an arrested protester being hit by security forces, Amnesty International Nigeria described the protesters as “perfectly within their rights to hold a religious procession,” adding: “There was no evidence they posed an imminent threat to life.”

It also accused the military of a history of “extrajudicial executions” against the group.

The intelligence report described the waving of flags at the protest as undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty.

In July 2021, after more than five years in prison, IMN leader Ibrahim Zakzaky and his wife were released by a court in Kaduna, in the north of the country.

A Shiite cleric, Zakzaky has repeatedly called for an Iranian-style Islamic revolution in Nigeria, where the Muslim population is predominantly Sunni.

Inspired by the Islamic Revolution in Iran in the late 1970s, the IMN still maintains close ties with the Iranian government, which backs Hamas and is sworn to destroy Israel.

AFP

Nigeria Alleges Binance Facilitated Terrorism, Kidnapping Funding

Prior to the Nigerian government’s crackdown on Binance, kidnapping gangs and terrorists funneled illicit funds through the cryptocurrency exchange, Information Minister Alhaji Mohammed Idris recently stated. Idris said this situation left the Nigerian government with no option but to take action against Binance.

The minister’s comments came days after he rejected assertions the Nigerian government was extorting the cryptocurrency exchange. In remarks published by Semafor, Idris also denied claims the government holds Binance responsible for the depreciation of the local currency. However, Idris is quoted in the Semafor report as saying Binance contributed to the naira’s decline.

Consequently, the Nigerian government instituted several measures targeting Binance, including filing an $81 billion lawsuit against the exchange. Money laundering and tax evasion charges have also been filed against Binance.

When the Nigerian government initially took action against Binance, it also detained Tigran Gambaryan, the crypto exchange’s security head. Gambaryan’s prolonged detention prompted allegations the Nigerian government was using it to force Binance to pay a $150 million bribe. After spending several months in detention, Gambaryan was eventually released on health grounds, ending a dispute that threatened U.S.-Nigeria relations.

However, after Gambaryan repeated the bribery claims during an interview with a U.S. publication, the Nigerian government accused the Binance employee of lying. A few days later, Binance was served with the billion-dollar lawsuit. The latest allegation, linking Binance to terrorism and kidnapping, adds to its growing legal woes in a country with Africa’s largest crypto market.

In building the Nigerian government’s case that Binance was used by terrorists and kidnappers, Idris said:

“If you see a flow of finance between somebody who is purportedly doing financial transactions in your land and then people who are engaged in acts of destabilization, certainly this will be of interest.”

Bitcon.com

Related story: Nigeria Continues Search for Escaped Binance Exec Nadeem Anjarwalla

Nigeria Launches SDGs Short Film Challenge To Inspire Change Through Storytelling

Nigeria has officially launched the 2025 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Short Film Challenge, marking the third edition of this initiative to leverage storytelling to promote sustainable development.

The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals inaugurated the event in partnership with the United Nations Information Centre. The challenge is designed to engage filmmakers and encourage them to create impactful short films of up to 15 minutes, addressing critical issues such as poverty, gender inequality, climate change, and social justice.

Senior Special Assistant Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire emphasised the importance of storytelling in raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and inspiring action towards achieving the SDGs. Highlighting the success of previous editions, with increasing participation—from 73 submissions in 2022 to 2,250 entries from 119 countries last year—Orelope-Adefulire announced enhancements for the upcoming challenge. These include training sessions for emerging filmmakers to develop the skills necessary to craft meaningful narratives related to the SDGs. This year’s grand finale will take place over three days from August 21 to 23, 2025, featuring exhibitions and high-level discussions.

UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, hailed the initiative as a celebration of creativity and a rallying call for sustainable development. He noted Nigeria’s potential as a storytelling powerhouse and emphasised the importance of empowering young Nigerians to address pressing issues through film. The 2025 SDGs Short Film Challenge aims to raise awareness and drive tangible action towards a more sustainable future, solidifying Nigeria’s role in utilising storytelling as a catalyst for change.

Broadcast Media Africa

President Tinubu marks 73rd birthday today, seeks spiritual guidance for Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu will on Friday join fellow Muslims at the National Mosque in Abuja for a special prayer session for the nation to mark his 73rd birthday, which is on Saturday.

“He will also use this occasion to thank God for preserving and supporting him in the onerous task of piloting the nation’s affairs,” Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, revealed in a statement he signed Thursday.

The statement was titled, ‘President Tinubu To Mark 73rd Birthday with Special Prayer at the Abuja National Mosque.’

President Tinubu’s birthday coincides with the holy month of Ramadan and comes two months before his administration’s second anniversary.

Onanuga said, “On this significant day, the President will dedicate himself to spiritual reflection and supplication for Nigeria’s continued peace, progress, and prosperity.

“Choosing a prayer session reflects President Tinubu’s dedication to Nigeria’s spiritual and moral well-being and his commitment to seeking divine guidance, insight, and strength in leadership. He believes collective prayer is a powerful tool for guiding the nation towards progress and harmony.”

President Tinubu invited the public to join the prayer session in spirit by offering prayers at their places of worship or wherever they may be, reinforcing a nationwide commitment to unity and shared destiny.”

According to the statement, the President expressed profound gratitude to Nigerians for their unwavering support and goodwill as his administration works tirelessly to advance economic reforms, strengthen national security, and expand opportunities for all citizens.

“I am deeply thankful to Allah for the gift of life and the privilege to serve this great nation. As I mark another birthday and look forward to our second anniversary, my heart is filled with Renewed Hope for Nigeria.

“I urge all citizens to pray for divine guidance, unity, and healing for our land. Together, we shall overcome challenges and build a nation where every citizen thrives,” he stated.

The President reaffirmed his commitment to consolidating democratic gains, fostering economic recovery, and promoting national cohesion.

Therefore, he encouraged citizens to remain steadfast in believing in Nigeria’s destiny as a beacon of hope in Africa.

PUNCH