GLITZ TV
In a recent development, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMAC) has decided to temporarily suspend the engagement of Front-End Partners (FEPs) in the enrolment process for National Identification Numbers (NINs). This decision was announced by the Director General of NIMC, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, during the commencement of a four-day training session for the first batch of newly revalidated FEPs in Abuja.
The temporary suspension of FEPs is a result of the ongoing revalidation exercise being conducted by the commission for these third-party registration centers. The Director General emphasized that the purpose of the revalidation exercise is to enhance the enrolment process and resolve any outstanding debts owed to the Front-End Partners. It has been observed that several infractions have been reported, with a significant number of them involving Front-End Partners.
Front-End Partners are responsible for providing enrolment services across the country. The Director General clarified that the decision to initiate the revalidation process was not targeted at any specific individual or group, but rather aimed at purifying the system and ensuring the integrity of data in the national identity database. Additionally, it serves as a step towards conducting a thorough audit of the claims made by some of the Front-End Partners.
It is important to note that the revalidation exercise will be implemented in phases, with the current phase being the initial one. The Director General took the opportunity to remind everyone that NIN enrolment in Nigeria is free of charge. The administration has a strong stance against corruption and will take strict action against any individual found engaging in corrupt practices or other forms of infractions.
The Director General further explained that the revalidation exercise is part of the process to ensure compliance with the highest standards of data security among the Front-End Partners. Coker-Odusote mentioned that upon assuming the role, there were significant outstanding debts owed to the FEPs for over two years, and some of the invoices and claims raised doubts, requiring a thorough audit. The prevailing flaws in the process and system necessitated the decision to sanitize the enrolment process.
“As a result, I directed the temporary suspension of NIN enrolment activities at all FEP centers until the revalidation exercise is completed,” stated the Director General.
In October, NIMC had previously announced the revalidation of licenses for its third-party agents. This mandatory process was initiated to ensure compliance with the latest standards and protocols.
Regarding the issue of kidnapping in the country, NIMC disclosed that it is collaborating with the Nigerian Communications Commission and security agencies to leverage the NIN and SIM databases for tracking down kidnappers and victims of kidnapping.
