President Bola Tinubu has formally notified the House of Representatives of his decision to withhold assent to the National Identity Management Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2026, citing drafting errors and structural inconsistencies in the legislation, in accordance with Section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, read the President’s letter during Tuesday’s plenary, formally informing lawmakers of the executive’s observations and returning the bill for further legislative consideration.
While acknowledging that the bill contains important reforms, the President argued that it is flawed in key respects.
He noted that the long title does not adequately capture both the repeal and re-enactment of the existing Act.
President Tinubu also highlighted inconsistencies in Section 4(2), which incorrectly describes institutional representatives on the board as part-time members appointed by the President, whereas they are ex officio members by virtue of their positions.
He further pointed out that Section 4(1)(b) establishes four executive commission members but fails to specify the appointing authority and does not clearly define the required qualifications and professional experience.
