Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has called for compulsory national identification registration for all Nigerians as part of efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, Gumi said a reliable national registration system would help security agencies identify individuals, close security gaps and make it more difficult for criminal elements to operate undetected.
He proposed giving villagers and nomadic communities a one-year grace period to complete their registration, after which individuals who deliberately refuse to comply should face appropriate legal consequences.
According to the cleric, a comprehensive identification exercise would also create thousands of employment opportunities in data collection, registration, technology, administration and other related sectors.
Why Gumi Wants Compulsory National Identification
Gumi argued that anonymity creates security blind spots and provides cover for criminals to operate without being easily identified.
He maintained that advancements in biometric technology have made it increasingly difficult to justify situations where individuals remain unidentified.
The cleric pointed to fingerprints and facial features as unique biological identifiers that could support efforts to establish a comprehensive national identification system.
He said: “Anonymity creates a security blind spot and provides cover for criminal elements to operate undetected. In this age of advanced biometric technology, there is little justification for anyone to remain unidentifiable.
“Our fingerprints and facial features are unique biological identifiers that we carry with us everywhere.
“A comprehensive and compulsory national identification system should therefore be a priority. No one should be beyond identification by lawful and appropriate means.”
Gumi maintained that compulsory registration, supported by appropriate legal measures, should be prioritised as part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to address insecurity.
His proposal also highlights the potential economic benefits of expanding the country’s national identification infrastructure through job creation and increased use of technology.
