The Alausa, Ikeja, enrolment center of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) witnessed a surge in visitors, including telecom subscribers and students applying for WAEC and JAMB examinations, as they thronged the facility to enroll for the National Identity Number (NIN).
The NIN is a prerequisite for various registrations, including those for examinations and obtaining an international passport.
The massive crowd, however, created an opportunity for unscrupulous individuals to exploit innocent citizens seeking NIN registration. Reports indicate that extortion by these elements has become rampant, with some demanding between N10,000 and N20,000 from desperate parents.
A concerned parent, Mrs. Okeke, expressed frustration over the overwhelming situation, highlighting the challenges faced by citizens, including the sale of registration forms despite being labelled “Not for Sale.” She called on the Federal Government to intervene and address the challenges facing NIN registration.
NIMC’s spokesman, Kayode Adegoke, responded to the situation, emphasising the commission’s zero tolerance for corruption. He warned that anyone caught collecting cash for NIN registration would face legal consequences. Adegoke explained that the increased crowd at the Lagos office was due to the temporary suspension of Front-End Partners (FEP) from NIN enrolments.
The spokesman clarified that NIMC is currently revalidating third-party registration centres to enhance the enrollment process, address outstanding debts, and correct reported infractions. Adegoke assured Nigerians that more data-capturing machines would be supplied to the Lagos office next Monday to reduce waiting times and ease the pressure on both staff and applicants.
Regarding the use of forms, Adegoke stated that a resolution would be reached by the following week. He urged Nigerians to adopt a proactive approach to NIN registration, emphasising that the process has been ongoing for some time and should not be left until the last minute.
