TheCable

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) says it has cleared over 2.5 million backlog of National Identification Number (NIN) modifications.

Abisoye Coker-Odusote, acting director-general of NIMC, said this on Tuesday during an unscheduled visit to the federal capital territory (FCT) office of the commission.

She also said issues delaying the processing of national identity cards would be addressed within two weeks.

She added that while NIN registration is free, nominal fees are expected to be paid for modifications.

“We don’t expect people to pay for enrollment but as for modifications in signatures, enrollment errors and date of birth, what should be paid through bank remittances are N500 and N15,000 respectively,” she said.

“And please note that modifications of any information would only be allowed if made with sworn affidavits.

“Let me reiterate that the agency on my watch will not tolerate continued acts of extortion and harassment of Nigerians from within.

“We also want to promise that all issues delaying the processing of national identity cards would be addressed within two weeks.”

Ndi Awan, FCT NIMC coordinator, said the commission is battling challenges like uncomfortable working environment, slow network connectivity and activities of touts around the premises.

“We usually find it difficult to upload biometrics of enrollment,” she said.

“We are also short-staffed. Our officers are not enough to handle the number of people coming in. This makes the system and process slow.”

On the challenges of broken down and outdated systems, slow network connectivity and others, the NIMC DG said all issues were being addressed, as the renewed hope agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration would reposition data management in the country.