Nigeria Digital ID Harmonisation Committee presents report, calls for DNA databank

The Committee on Citizen Data Management and Harmonisation has presented its report to the President of Nigeria. The Committee was appointed in March this year to make recommendations on visa restrictions and security concerns raised by the US government and review the numerous identification systems in the country. 

The report recommends: harmonisation of the various identity systems in the country;  the separation of policy making and implementation functions; licensing of private companies to collect biometric data on behalf of government agencies; issuance of a digital ID to all citizens and residents of Nigeria; and mandatory use of the digital ID in all government services. 

The report also calls for establishment of a national DNA data bank maintained by the government with profiles of all citizens.