Some staff of Nigeria Identification Management Commission in Bauchi and Kaduna have been suspended for unduly extorting unsuspecting Nigerians seeking to obtain National Identification Number (NIN).

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Ali Isa Ibrahim (Pantami) directed the immediate suspension of staff members during the weekend.

The suspension came on the heels of public outcry against some personnel of the commission, particularly at some enrolment centers in Bauchi and Kaduna who capitalized on the rush for NIN by the public to perpetuate fraudulent activities.

A statement by the head, corporate communications, Kayode Adegoke quotes the minister as saying the behaviour by the staff members is inimical to policy directive of the Federal Government which requires mobile network subscribers to update their SIM registration with a valid National Identification Number (NIN).

Isa Pantami restated his zero tolerance stance on extortion, bribery and corruption and further noted that “such unethical practices if allowed to fester and not nip in the bud by taking stiffer actions against the culprits, has the potency of derailing the SIM-NIN Integration project”.

“Enrolment for the National Identification Number (NIN) is free of charge, and on no occasion should anyone pay to obtain an enrolment form or to have their biometrics captured.  All personnel involved in the enrolment and NIN issuance exercise must carry out their respective duties professionally, fairly and with integrity”, he said. 

He called on the general public to assist in putting to an end, activities of extortionists around enrolment centers by sending snapshot, footage or  audio recordings to 08157691214; 08157691071 or e-mail actu@nimc.gov.ng.

Recall that the Nigerian Communications Commission had recently asked telecommunication service providers to block SIM cards not registered with NIN.

Prompttvnews had earlier reported that 170 private entities, 30 State Governments and others have been licensed as. Agents for the enrolment of Nigerians and legal residents into the National Identity Database (NIDB) on behalf of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

The minister earlier said “the licensing of enrolment agents is in line with the Federal Government’s strategy to scale up enrolment and issuance of the National Identification Number (NIN) to Nigerians and legal residents, thereby liberalising the enrolment process and opening up the sector for multiple players”.