Extortion: NIMC Boss Vows To Discipline Erring Staffs

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has called on Nigerians to report incidents of extortion or harassment in the course of their enrollment.

NIMC Acting Director-General, Mrs Abisoye Coker-Odusote, made this known during an unscheduled visit to the FCT office of the Commission, on Tuesday.

Abisoye also promised to deal decisively with any of its staff caught extorting money from enrollees for the National Identification Number (NIN).

She said the commission would not tolerate continued acts of extortion from its members, and harassment of Nigerians, saying enrollment was free.

According to her, modifications in signatures, enrollment errors and Date of Birth should be paid through bank remittances of N500 and N15,000 respectively, noting that all other enrollment should not be paid for.

She said data is a critical infrastructure and should be treated as a national asset, saying modifications of any information would only be allowed if made with sworn affidavits.

She, however, advised Nigerians to report incidents of extortion or harassment in the course of their enrollment.

She said, “So regarding extortion, NIN is free in Nigeria, there is no reason why you should pay for enrollment, It is free. If you call me or give anybody money or you go to any of the NIMC offices, you are adding to the problem.

“You know if we all keep saying it, we have to be better, Let’s also practice it as charity begins at home, if there’s any issue, go to the website.

“There are channels there for you to escalate the matter. I am actually getting that feedback directly myself and addressing it.”