The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has arrested a number of operators concerned in illegal National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment and seized unauthorised enrolment equipment throughout an enforcement operation in the Gwagwalada space of Abuja and different places.
NIMC disclosed this in a press release launched on Monday and signed by its Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke.
The arrests, in accordance with the assertion, adopted a crackdown by the Commission’s Inspectorate Compliance and Enforcement Unit (ICEU) on illegal NIN enrolment, unauthorised modification of non-public information and extortion.
The Commission mentioned the operation was a part of efforts to eradicate unauthorised enrolment actions and unethical practices that threaten the integrity, safety and credibility of Nigeria’s National Identity Management System.
Unauthorised NIN companies increase safety considerations
While warning Nigerians towards utilizing unapproved centres or people for NIN enrolment and associated companies, NIMC mentioned most of the challenges Nigerians encounter with their National Identification Numbers come up from makes an attempt to bypass official enrolment procedures.
The Commission emphasised that preliminary NIN enrolment can solely be performed at its accredited enrolment centres, whereas requests for private information modification needs to be processed by way of its official self-service platform.
It additionally suggested NIN holders to obtain the NINAuth software, obtainable on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, to entry further security measures, defend their NIN and print their NIN slips.
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, reiterated the Commission’s zero tolerance for extortion and different unethical practices by enrolment operators.
She mentioned the Commission remained dedicated to offering seamless and hitch-free NIN enrolment companies for Nigerians and authorized residents.
NIN enrolment hits 136 million
The growth comes as Nigeria continues to push for extra enrolments of its residents on the id database.
According to NIMC, the transfer adopted a presidential directive mandating it to take NIN registration to the grassroots throughout the nation.
The train is aimed toward making certain the great registration of each Nigerian citizen and authorized resident, together with youngsters and adults, into the National Identity Database.
NIMC mentioned the ward-level enrollment is being performed freed from cost, including that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to deepen id inclusion, promote inclusive governance, and broaden entry to public companies.
NIMC races to satisfy World Bank’s goal
Aside from the nationwide purpose of getting all residents registered, NIMC can also be racing to satisfy the goal set below the World Bank’s Digital Identity for National Development (ID4D) undertaking, launched in 2020.
According to the Bank, the extension was vital to ensure the entire disbursement of the $430 million pledged for the undertaking by the financiers.
The undertaking is being co-financed by the French Development Agency (AFD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB).
With the restructuring of the undertaking, the Bank mentioned the closure was prolonged by two years to December 31, 2026.
