The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has recorded a significant reduction in reports of extortion and unauthorized fees, with incidents declining by 40 percent following recent reforms to improve transparency. Director General Abisoye Coker-Odusote announced the progress during a public engagement event in Lagos on Friday, crediting the drop to standardized pricing and clearer communication of service charges.
Coker-Odusote emphasized that enrollment for the National Identification Number (NIN) — a mandatory biometric identifier for Nigerian citizens — remains free nationwide. Official data showed registrations climbed to 122 million in June, up from 120 million in May 2025. While no-cost enrollment continues, the agency introduced fixed fees for specific administrative services, including updates to personal records such as date of birth modifications. “We have standardized modification and authentication fees, and these are publicly disclosed,” she stated. “Our enforcement of a transparent fee structure has directly curbed unethical practices.”
The reforms align with broader efforts to overhaul Nigeria’s identity management system, which has faced scrutiny over allegations of exploitation by staff and third-party agents. By mandating uniform rates and publishing fee categories, NIMC aims to eliminate ambiguity that previously allowed rogue actors to impose inflated charges. The commission also recently revised prices for select services, citing operational costs, though core registration remains government-subsidized.
Coker-Odusote highlighted the dual impact of transparency measures: reducing financial burdens on citizens while accelerating enrollment targets. Over two million Nigerians registered for NIN within one month, reflecting growing public confidence in the system’s integrity. The biometric database is critical for accessing government services, banking, and telecommunications, making efficient and equitable enrollment a national priority.
The director general’s remarks underscore NIMC’s push to balance accessibility with accountability. As Africa’s most populous nation edges closer to universal identity coverage, stakeholders will monitor whether the commission sustains this progress amid rising demand and evolving security needs. For now, the sharp decline in extortion cases signals a measurable step toward rebuilding trust in a system foundational to Nigeria’s digital and economic ambitions.
