The Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Ali Isa Ibrahim Pantami has directed the immediate suspension of staff involved in the extortion of National Identity Number (NIN) applicants at the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) offices in Bauchi and Kaduna States. This was disclosed by Engr. Aliyu Aziz, Director-General/CEO, NIMC in a statement issued in Abuja by the Head Corporate Communication, Mr. Kayode Adegoke, saying the directive followed public outcry alleging some NIMC officials in Bauchi and Kaduna were extorting applicants of money, exploiting the demand for the NIN.
The minister stressed zero tolerance for unethical practices including bribery, extortion, and corruption, adding that the culprits should be duly punished.
“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.
“In light of the above, we wish to call on the general public to assist us in putting our commitments into action by sending proof of any nefarious activity within and around our enrolment centers ‘snapshot, footage, audio recordings’ to 08157691214; 08157691071 or e-mail