The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has dismissed over 100 of its Front-End Partners (FEPs) for extortion and other unethical practices in the National Identity Number (NIN) enrolment process. The move, according to the Commission, is part of sweeping reforms aimed at sanitising Nigeria’s identity management system and restoring public confidence.
NIMC’s Director-General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, disclosed this in Lagos during the closing session of a two-day workshop with online newspaper publishers. Represented by Lanre Yusuf, NIMC’s Director of Information Technology and Identity Database, Coker-Odusote stressed that the Commission maintains a zero-tolerance policy for corruption, warning that erring staff or partners will face strict disciplinary measures.
The NIMC boss revealed that illicit charges and extortion at enrolment centres have dropped by over 40% due to reforms introduced since she assumed office.
“Enrolment for the National Identification Number remains free. We have standardised modification and authentication fees, which are publicly disclosed. Our transparent fee structure and rigorous monitoring have significantly curbed racketeering,” she said.
Coker-Odusote acknowledged that before the reforms, complaints of exploitation and unofficial fees were widespread, discouraging many Nigerians from enrolling. “We are determined to change that narrative by prioritising transparency, accountability, and stakeholder engagement,” she added.
As part of efforts to reduce human interference, the Commission has rolled out digital tools, including the NINAuth mobile app, the Self-Service NIN Enrolment and Modification app, and Contactless Biometric Solutions. These innovations are designed to improve service delivery, enhance security, and make the process more user-friendly.
Coker-Odusote also revealed that NIN enrolment has surged to 122 million, representing a 49% increase since January 2022 when the figure stood at 72.7 million.
Over 7,167 front-end enrolment agents and partners have been revalidated, retrained, and redeployed to improve professionalism, while grievance redress officers have been stationed in all 36 states to handle public complaints. A 24/7 toll-free line has also been introduced for citizens to report cases of extortion or misconduct.
According to NIMC, these reforms are part of a broader strategy to build a unified and secure digital identity ecosystem that will support financial inclusion, national planning, and easier access to government services.
“The national identity system is critical for social protection, economic development, and security. Every Nigerian must have confidence in the integrity of the process,” Coker-Odusote said.
The NIMC DG urged the media to support the Commission in its campaign against fake news, noting that misinformation has slowed public acceptance of digital identity systems.
“We need every Nigerian to understand that their identity is key to accessing government services and economic opportunities. The media must help us debunk fake news and promote transparency,” she said.
The Commission reiterated that NIN enrolment is completely free, except for clearly stated modification and authentication fees. Citizens were urged to immediately report any staff or FEP demanding unofficial payments.
“Every Nigerian has the right to register for NIN without being exploited. We are determined to root out corrupt practices and hold all perpetrators accountable,” the DG affirmed.