The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has taken a strong stance against its staff members involved in extorting money from individuals seeking the National Identification Number (NIN).
NIMC’s Acting Director-General, Mrs. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, delivered this message during an unscheduled visit to the Commission’s FCT office on Tuesday.
She emphasized that the Commission will not tolerate any continued acts of extortion by its employees or harassment of Nigerian citizens, stressing that all NIN enrollment services are meant to be provided free of charge.
Mrs. Coker-Odusote clarified that certain specific services, such as modifications in signatures (for N500) and correcting enrollment errors or Date of Birth (for N15,000), would require payment through bank remittances.
However, she stressed that all other enrollment-related services should be free.
Regarding the integrity of data, she highlighted its importance as a critical infrastructure and a national asset.
Any modifications to information would only be allowed if accompanied by sworn affidavits.
Furthermore, Mrs. Coker-Odusote encouraged Nigerians to report any incidents of extortion or harassment that they may encounter during the enrollment process.
NIMC is committed to ensuring the integrity and accessibility of the National Identification Number without undue financial burden on enrollees.
She said, “So regarding extortion, NIN is free in Nigeria, there is no reason why you should pay for enrollment, It is free. If you call me or give anybody money or you go to any of the NIMC offices, you are adding to the problem.
“You know if we all keep saying it, we have to be better, Let’s also practice it as charity begins at home, if there’s any issue, go to the website.
“There are channels there for you to escalate the matter. I am actually getting that feedback directly myself and addressing it.”