The Nigeria’s Federal Government has ordered the investigation of allegations of extortion of money from citizens seeking national identity card registration in some parts of the country. Reports say the Nigerian National Identity Card Management Commission has been demanding a some N3000 from citizens for the renewal of identity cards
Femi Adeluyi, the technical assistant on information technology to Isa Pantami, the minister of communications and digital economy, who stated this in a statement on Saturday, insisted that registration and getting the national identity number (NIN) is totally free.
He noted that the national identity card is the right of every Nigerian, stressing that the government has made adequate budget and provision for it to ensure a hitch free exercise.
“The National Identity Number is completely free for all Nigerians and legal residents with Resident Permit from the Nigeria Immigration Service.
“The National Identity Number is the right of every citizen, based on the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Act 2007, ” he said.
He said the minister had instructed Aliyu Abubakar Aziz, the director-general of NIMC to investigate the allegations with a view to bringing the perpetrators to book.
“The Director-General will also provide a platform for such allegations to be reported,” Pantami added.
He commended the sacrifice of the Management and staff of NIMC who have carried out their assignment conscientiously during, and even outside, working hours.
He disclosed that the ministry was working to ensure the conditions of service and welfare of the staff were favourable.
