Yemisi Izuora
The Federal Government has launched investigation into alleged fraud linked to demand for money for National Identity Number, NIN, by the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC.
The Government has declared that issuance of National Identity Number (NIN) was at no cost to Nigerians; adding that the cost of the registration was being shouldered by the government.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, at the weekend.
He said this following complaints from some applicants who alleged that they were being asked to pay for NIN enrolment. The Technical Assistant on Information Technology to the Minister, Dr. Femi Adeluyi, made this known in a statement in Abuja.
“The National Identity Number is completely free for all Nigerians and legal residents with Resident Permit from the Nigeria Immigration Service. The National Identity Number is the right of every citizen; based on the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Act 2007,” he said.
The Minister said he had instructed the Director General of the NIMC, to investigate the allegations; with a view to bringing the perpetrators, if any, to book.
“The Director-General will also provide a platform for such allegations to be reported,” Pantami added.
He commended the sacrifice of the Management and staff of NIMC who have carried out their assignment conscientiously; during, and even outside, working hours. Further, he disclosed that the ministry was working to ensure the conditions of service and welfare of the staff were favourable.
Pantami reiterated the ministry’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for all Nigerians and legal residents to obtain their NIN.