Taraba Assembly Begins Debate on Residents Registration Bill

The Taraba State House of Assembly has commenced deliberations on the Taraba State Residents Registration Bill, 2025, a proposed law seeking to establish a unified database of all residents in the state.

The bill, sponsored by former Speaker and member representing Mbamnga Constituency, Abel Peter Diah, has passed its first reading on the floor of the Assembly.

According to reports, the proposed legislation represents a significant step toward creating a comprehensive population management and identification system for Taraba State.

Explaining the objectives of the bill, Diah said it aims to enhance security planning, improve social service delivery, and ensure the collection of accurate demographic data to support evidence-based governance.

If enacted, the bill would create the Taraba State Residents Registration Agency, which will be tasked with documenting, verifying, and issuing digital residency identification to citizens and lawful residents of the state.

Speaker of the House, John K. Bonzina, commended Diah for what he described as a “visionary initiative,” and directed that copies of the bill be circulated to all members for further study ahead of its second reading.

Once operational, the proposed residents’ registration system is expected to complement national digital identification initiatives and provide reliable data for effective policy formulation and developmental planning across Taraba State.