Tinubu Denies Assent to NIMC Bill, Cites Constitutional Flaws and Drafting Errors

By Christiana Ekpa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has denied assent to the National Identity Management Commission (Establishment) Act, 2026, citing multiple drafting defects, constitutional conflicts, and structural inconsistencies in the proposed legislation.

In a formal communication letter dated April 28, 2026, and addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, the President invoked Section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to convey his decision.

Tinubu said the Bill, as passed by the National Assembly, contains “several structural defects,” including inconsistencies in its Long Title, which fails to clearly reflect both repeal and reenactment of the existing law.

He also faulted provisions relating to the composition and appointment of the NIMC Board, particularly Sections 4(1), 4(2), and 4(3), describing them as defective and internally inconsistent.

 According to him, some provisions wrongly classify institutional representatives as part-time appointees and improperly subject key appointments to Senate confirmation, in conflict with constitutional provisions governing executive powers.

The President further noted that the Bill fails to clearly state the appointing authority for Executive Commissioners and creates ambiguity over the role of the Director-General as either Board member or secretary.

He also criticized the separation of regulatory powers and guideline issuance, describing it as unnecessary and restrictive, while warning that the Bill contains vague and incomplete provisions, including an undefined “supervising authority” that is not operationally supported within the Act.

Tinubu added that Section 37 of the Bill is “incomplete, vague, and incapable of legal operation,” while also faulting the removal of the definition of “Minister,” which he said creates a policy and governance gap.

The President stressed that the identified issues must be addressed to ensure legislative clarity, constitutional compliance, and effective implementation of the proposed law.