Nigerians will have to pay for access to the new multipurpose NIN card through financial institutions.
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) said on Friday that the National Identity Number (NIN) has increased by 3.2 million from 104 million at the end of previous year.
The Commission also announced plans to introduce a general multifunctional NIN card for which Nigerians will have to pay.
The Commission also announced plans to introduce a general multifunctional NIN card for which Nigerians will have to pay.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, the Commission’s Director General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, also revealed that, despite the increase in enrollment, the Commission is not resting on its laurels and will go to any length to guarantee that every Nigerian is registered.
The commission is improving its procedures, upgrading antiquated equipment with cutting-edge technology, and combating fraud and extortion. She stated that with the continued growth of enrollment facilities around the country, the Commission will be able to register entire Nigerian registrations.
According to Coker-Odusote, the system’s current capacity of 100 million would be increased to 250 million within the next six to eight months.
She also stated that the Commission aims to evaluate its service costs in order to improve service delivery to Nigerians, and that any staff members detected colluding with illicit actors would face prosecution.
We are cracking down on extortioners masquerading as NIMC employees. Many people have lost their money to extortionists. “Any NIMC employee who attempts to work with criminal perpetrators will face a disciplinary committee and be tried under the Cybercrime Act 2015 and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023. The same goes for any illegal perpetrators.
We will ensure that proper communication is established in order to protect ourselves from extortion.
We’re going to examine our rate. It won’t be much, but it will be evaluated. We haven’t reviewed our rates in a long time. It will not be excessive.” Nigerians would need to pay a fee to obtain the new multifunctional national identity card through banking institutions. The card will provide access to various digital services and promote financial inclusion.
Nigerians will pay through banks to access their cards within 48 hours, just as they would for ATM cards. We are collaborating with Afrigo to ensure that cards are delivered to citizens promptly after payment for the digital multipurpose card,” she stated.
She stated that applicants for the card must submit a request with their NIN via a self-service online site or banks, reiterating that NIN registration remains free for all inhabitants of the country.
NIMC is partnering with the Students Loan Board, NYSC, and other government institutions to distribute palliatives. The NIMC identification database will soon be used to ensure accountability and eradicate ghost beneficiaries for government services.