NIMC Temporarily Suspends Front End Partners from NIN Enrolments Amidst Revalidation Exercise

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a ban on Front End Partners (FEP) from partaking in the enrollment of the National Identification Number, NIN, as an attempt to establish a more secure NIN enrollment system. This comes after the commencement of the third-party enrollment centers revalidation exercise. The ban on FEPs, as mentioned, is part of the effort where NIMC temporarily suspends front end partners to enhance the integrity of the NIN enrollment process.

Director General Abisoye Coker-Odusote Implements Procedure Adherence Correcting Actions on NIN Enrolment Process.

As per the statement made by Director General Abisoye Coker-Odusote, NIMC has discovered a number of illicit actions and activities that are detrimental to the NIN enrollment and alterations. 

NIMC has expressed that this is a preventative measure that will make the enrollment process better and also resolve payments owed to the FEPs. Coker-Odusote has stated that there are significant issues that need to be rectified.

Read Also: NIMC Boosts NIN Enrolment Efforts with 222 Additional Devices Nationwide

The Director Reiterated on Why NIMC Temporarily Suspends Front End Partners

Coker-Odusote reiterated, “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 the data in the country’s identity database.”

Among other objectives, the revalidation exercise that is being implemented in phases will aim to evaluate the assertions made by the FEPs and the inconsistencies found between the submitted invoices and the payments made.

The director general raised a red flag on the invoices received, and this calls for a thorough audit for transparency.The suspension of FEPs’ NIN enrolment activities is one of the components of the larger revalidation exercise.

Coker-Odusote told stakeholders that the commission’s primary concern is the integrity of data, and in effect, the revalidation exercise is needed to enhance the trustworthiness of the identity database of the country.

In addition, the director general also emphasized the negative attitude toward corruption, stating that those who are engaging in corruption and any other activities that amount to corruption or violation of the law will be dealt with accordingly. 

Following the validation, steps are expected to be taken towards settling the claims of unpaid debts to the FEPs during the first quarter of the year 2024.

The first exercise of the revalidation strategy comes with the intention of the NIMC to enhance the openness, responsibility, and effectiveness of the identity enrollment system in the country. 

Stakeholders are invited to monitor the hearings as the commission moves to the next phase of this intensive exercise.