INSTITUTIONAL CONFLICTS IN THE REGULATION OF LEGAL IDENTITY MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The integration of various legal identity systems under Nigeria’s National Identification Management System is important to strengthen cooperation between such identity systems and to ensure a streamlined, interoperable approach towards the management of official identities in the country. However, this integration of various institutional frameworks has resulted in the threat of conflicts and overlaps in institutional responsibilities and mandates. Such conflicts can result in resource wastages, duplicated efforts, disorder and more. An examination of specific instances of such overlaps is therefore imminent. Using a doctrinal method as its research design, and Neil MacCormick’s Institutional Theory of Law as its theoretical lens, this paper examined the regulatory framework for legal identity management in Nigeria with an aim to highlight specific areas of conflict within that framework, in need of legislative and institutional reform. Findings revealed overlaps in statutory functions of key institutions including the National Identity Management Commission, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, the National Population Commission among others.