The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has reassured the public that the ongoing revalidation of Front End Partners (FEPs) has not impeded the enrollment process for the National Identification Number (NIN) nationwide.
Dismissing alleged smear campaigns in the media, the Commission affirmed that despite the temporary suspension of NIN enrollment at all FEP centres during the revalidation exercise, activities continue at local government and state offices.
In a statement issued in Abuja, NIMC refuted reports insinuating that the National ID card project faces jeopardy due to outstanding debts to FEPs. The Commission termed these reports as sponsored attacks aimed at tarnishing the image of its Acting Director General/CEO, Abisoye Coker-Odusote.
Ayodele Babalola, Special Adviser on Media to NIMC’s Acting Director General, expressed concern over the orchestrated nature of the negative coverage, pointing out similarities in language and content across different publications. He labeled this as a deliberate effort to discredit NIMC through false allegations.
Addressing the revalidation of FEPs, the statement clarified, “The process was essential to assess the inherited indebtedness from the previous management and to verify it before payment. It signifies the initial step towards resolving outstanding payments to the FEPs.”
Refuting blame on the current administration for the inability to settle debts, NIMC emphasized that the Acting DG, appointed just a few months ago, could not be held responsible for the prior unpaid period. Records revealed that the last payment, for 2021, was made in March 2022, 15 months before Engineer Coker-Odusote’s assumption of office.
The Commission dismissed claims that the recent revalidation exercise, initiated in October, has created obstacles for the National ID project, stating that NIN enrollment, data modifications, and various NIMC services are operational at all local government and state offices nationwide. Furthermore, NIMC is actively developing a contactless solution for diasporans, with a comprehensive list of centres and locations available on the NIMC website.
