The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has temporarily suspended Front-End Partners from engaging in the National Identification Number (NIN) enrolments.
This is because the commission is currently carrying out a revalidation exercise of these third-party registration centres.
The Director General, NIMC, Abisoye Coker-Odusote disclosed this while noting that NIMC has identified multiple infractions and unwholesome practices in the processes of National Identity Number enrolment and modification.
Coker-Odusote revealed this at the opening of a four-day training for the first batch of newly revalidated Front End Partners in Abuja.
While assuring participants that revalidation is aimed at improving the enrolment process and addressing outstanding debts owed to the Front-End Partners, the DG stated that many infractions have been reported, with a significant number attributed Front-End Partners.
Front-end partners provide enrolment services nationwide. She said, “My decision to direct the revalidation of all FEPs was not targeted at anyone or group. It was a step towards sanitizing the system and processes while ensuring the integrity of data in the country’s identity database. It was also one of the steps towards proper auditing of the claims made by some of our FEPs.
“Please be advised that the revalidation exercise is being implemented in phases. This is just the first and not the last. Let me use this medium to remind you all that NIN enrolment is free of charge in Nigeria. My administration has zero tolerance for corruption. We shall therefore not spare anyone found perpetrating corrupt practices or any other form of infractions.”
The DG further explained that the revalidation exercise was part of steps towards ensuring compliance with the highest standards of data security among the FEPs.
She noted, “Don’t forget that I inherited huge debts owed FEPs for over two years. Some of the invoices and claims were questionable, requiring proper auditing. The rot in the process and system left me with no option but to take deliberate steps toward sanitising the enrollment process.
“And to this end, I directed that NIN enrolment activities at all FEP centres be suspended temporarily, pending the outcome of a revalidation exercise.”
