Powers
Section (6) of the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007 outlines that the Commission shall have power to:
Request for any information on data from any person on matters relating to its functions under this Act;
Fix the terms and conditions of service including remuneration of the employees of the Commission;
Establish and operate administrative and monitoring offices in the States, Local Government Areas and Area Councils;
Monitor any matter that may affect the functions of the Commission;
Do such other things which this Act or any other enactment are required or permitted to be done by the Commission.
Functions
Section (5) of the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007 stipulates that the Commission shall:
Assign a unique National Identification Number to any person registered pursuant to paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section and the National Identification Number shall be incorporated into or made compatible with other existing identity related databases or registers in respect of which information or data relating to the registered person has been registered, documented or stored;
Create, manage, maintain and operate the National Identity Database, established under section 14 of this Act including the harmonization and integration of existing identification databases in government agencies and integration of existing identification databases in government agencies and integrating them into the National Identity Database;
Collaborate with relevant bodies and agencies in setting of standards and technical specifications for telecommunications links between organisations and for the devices utilized for such communications established or maintained pursuant to paragraphs (j) and (k) of this section;
Collaborate with relevant bodies and agencies in the setting of standards and technical specifications for ICT links between organizations and for the devices utilized for such communications established or maintained pursuant to paragraph (i) and (j) of this section;
Perform such other duties which, in the opinion of the Commission, are necessary or expedient for the discharge of its functions under this Act;
Collate information obtained by the Commission in pursuance of its functions as stated under the Act and reproducing such information as may be required, from time to time;
Ensure the preservation, protection, sanctity and security (including cyber-security) of any information or data collected, obtained, maintained or stored in respect of the National Identity Database;
Enter into any form of agreement with any private or public sector based agency or organisation for the development or establishment of the Identity Management Solution or for the realization of any of its functions;
Establish and maintain secured communication links with any existing relevant identity related database or agency;
Carry out the registration of citizens of Nigeria into the National Identity Database;
Carry out the registration of non-citizens of Nigeria who are lawfully resident in Nigeria;
Issue a General Multi-purpose Identity Card to any person registered pursuant to paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section;
Respond to verification enquires regarding the identification of individuals;
Research and monitor developments in the identity management sector;
