The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has temporarily stopped Front-End Partners from participating in the enrolment process for National Identification Numbers (NIN).
This decision is part of a revalidation exercise that NIMC is conducting for these third-party registration centers.
Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the Director General of NIMC, disclosed this information, highlighting various irregularities and unwholesome practices identified during the NIN enrolment and modification processes.
The Director General, speaking at a four-day training session for the first batch of newly revalidated Front End Partners in Abuja, assured participants that the revalidation aims to enhance the enrolment process and address outstanding debts owed to these partners.
Coker-Odusote emphasized that the decision was not targeted at any specific group but was a step towards improving system integrity and auditing claims made by some Front-End Partners.
She explained that the revalidation exercise is being implemented in phases and reiterated that NIN enrolment is free in Nigeria.
Coker-Odusote emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for corruption, stating that anyone found engaging in corrupt practices or other infractions would not be spared.
The revalidation exercise, initiated to ensure compliance with high standards of data security among Front-End Partners, was necessary due to inherited debts and questionable invoices in the NIN enrolment process.
In October, NIMC announced the mandatory revalidation of third-party agent licenses to align with the latest standards and protocols.
Addressing the issue of kidnapping, NIMC revealed collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission and security agencies to utilize NIN and SIM databases for tracking kidnappers and victims.
Coker-Odusote, speaking through her technical assistant Ayobami Abiola, stated that NIMC is closely working with security agencies to leverage NIN for enhanced national security.
Despite challenges, such as people bypassing NIN requirements for SIM registration, efforts are underway to address these issues and provide a comprehensive solution soon.
The President’s concern over the fragmented identity system in the country has led to directives for integration and unification.
The overarching goal is to eliminate challenges in ID enrollment, fostering a robust, seamless, and inclusive system where everyone receives an ID, leaving no one behind.
