The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning to its Front End Partners (FEPs), threatening to revoke the licenses of those found charging Nigerians for National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment.

In a statement released on Saturday by the Commission’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, NIMC reiterated that NIN enrolment is free and unauthorized fees imposed by staff or partners will not be tolerated.

The warning follows a surge of complaints from Nigerians alleging they were being asked to pay for the enrolment process. In response, NIMC disclosed that it has instructed security agencies to track down and prosecute any individuals or FEPs involved in extortion.

“Anyone caught will be sanctioned appropriately in line with the provisions of the law, and the license of such FEP will be withdrawn,” the statement read.

The Commission emphasized that neither its staff nor its partners are permitted to request payment from applicants. Nigerians are encouraged to report any incidents of extortion through official channels, including email at customercare@nimc.gov.ng or by calling 07002255646.

NIMC reaffirmed its commitment to providing seamless and transparent enrolment services, vowing to curb illegal practices and protect the integrity of the national identification process.

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NIMC Identifies Websites Harvesting Nigerians’ Data Illegally

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has flagged five websites accused of harvesting Nigerians’ data fraudulently.

This development follows a recent alert by Paradigm Initiative about websites allegedly selling sensitive data, including National Identification Number (NIN), Bank Verification Number (BVN), and International Passport information.

In a statement issued on Saturday, NIMC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, urged the public to avoid engaging with these websites and to be cautious about sharing personal information.

“NIMC urges the public to disregard any claims or services these websites offer and should not give their data as they are potentially fraudulent. Data provided by the public on such websites are gathered and stored to build the data services they illegally provide,” the statement read.

Contrary to claims by Paradigm Initiative, NIMC assured Nigerians that their sensitive data has not been compromised.

The Commission emphasized that it has implemented measures to further strengthen the NIN database.

“At this moment, the Commission assures the public that the data of Nigerians has not been compromised. The Commission has not authorized any website or entity to sell or misuse the National Identification Number (NIN) or other identities stated in the report,” Adegoke added.

The Commission highlighted its commitment to safeguarding the national database against cyber threats, maintaining that its infrastructure complies with the ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management System Standard.

This compliance is reaffirmed through annual recertifications and adherence to the Nigerian Data Protection Law.

NIMC also advised Nigerians to be cautious of unauthorized and phishing sites, which pose significant risks of data harvesting and potential misuse.

The Commission reiterated its dedication to ethical data protection practices, in line with federal government directives and data privacy regulations.

Further, NIMC is collaborating with security agencies to identify and prosecute individuals posing as online vendors involved in illegal activities.

“NIMC urges the public to remain vigilant against false information and rely on verified sources for accurate updates. The Commission remains committed to providing secure and reliable identity management and upholding the highest level of security for systems and databases, which are critical national assets,” the statement concluded.

The Commission reassured Nigerians of its continued efforts to ensure the security and integrity of their personal data, urging them to stay informed through official channels.

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The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has set an ambitious goal of enrolling 200 million Nigerians in the National Identification Number (NIN) system by 2025.

This announcement was made by Kayode Adegoke, the Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, during an interview on X Space on Sunday.

Adegoke revealed that over 105 million NINs have been issued to Nigerians and legal residents to date. He expressed confidence that the commission would meet its target within the next one or two years, emphasizing the importance of universal enrollment.

To achieve this goal, an additional 95 million Nigerians need to register for their NINs. The NIN serves as a unique identifier for each citizen and has become integral to various government initiatives aimed at enhancing security, governance, and service delivery.

Adegoke highlighted recent improvements in the enrollment process, including the development of a self-service platform for modifications.

This platform allows individuals to update their information, such as names, dates of birth, and contact details, from anywhere using smartphones or computers.

In a bid to enhance the NIN system, NIMC has renewed its collaboration with IDEMIA Smart Identity, a firm specializing in cryptographic and biometric technologies.

The upgraded system will support 1 million identity verification searches per day, catering to the entire Nigerian population.

IDEMIA stated that NIMC’s efforts align with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, particularly the objective of providing legal identity for all by 2030.

With these advancements, Nigeria is poised to strengthen its identity management infrastructure and improve service delivery to its citizens.

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The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has unveiled plans to introduce a groundbreaking National ID card with integrated payment capabilities, catering to a wide array of social and financial services for registered Nigerians.

In collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), NIMC will roll out the multifunctional ID card, powered by NIBSS’ AfriGO, a domestic card scheme.

Expected to be a game-changer in identity verification and financial inclusion, the card will be imbued with verifiable National Identity features, mandated by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007.

Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, emphasized that the card’s issuance would be reserved for individuals with a registered National Identification Number (NIN), aligning with NIMC’s mission to empower citizens and facilitate participation in national development.

Designed according to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, the card will serve as the default national identity card, offering not only identity verification but also doubling as a debit or prepaid card when linked to bank accounts.

NIMC highlighted the card’s key features, including a machine-readable zone (MRZ) for e-passport information, biometric authentication through fingerprint and pictures, and offline capability for transactions in areas with limited network coverage.

Furthermore, the card will encompass additional functionalities such as travel, health insurance, microloans, agricultural support, food subsidies, transportation benefits, and energy assistance, enhancing access to government intervention programs.In adherence to data protection regulations and international standards on data security protocols, NIMC assured that users’ data would be safeguarded against breaches, reinforcing public trust in the initiative.

NIMC disclosed that requests for the card could be made online, at commercial banks, participating agencies, or NIMC offices nationwide, ensuring widespread accessibility.

The impending launch of the National ID card underscores Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging technology for inclusive development, fostering financial empowerment, and advancing citizen-centric solutions to societal challenges.

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The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has appointed SecureID, a Lagos-based company as first manufacturer of National Domestic Card Scheme, AfriGo Card, an innovative identity solution with payment functionality for all types of social and financial services.

The appointment is in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS).

A statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, Kayode Adegoke, said the National ID card, layered with verifiable national Identity features, is backed by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which mandates NIMC to enroll and issue a General Multipurpose Card (GMPC) to Nigerians and legal residents.

AfriGo, according to the statement, will address the demand for physical identification enabling cardholders to prove their identity, access government and private social services, facilitate financial inclusion for disenfranchised Nigerians, empower citizens, as well as encourage increased participation in nation-building.

Adegoke said, “Only registered citizens and legal residents with the National Identification Number (NIN) will be eligible to request the card.

“The card, which will be produced according to ICAO standards, is positioned as the country’s default national identity card. In addition to this functionality, cardholders will also be able to use the cards as debit or prepaid cards by linking the same to bank accounts of their choice.

“The card shall enable eligible persons, especially those financially excluded from social and financial services, to have access to multiple government intervention programs.

“In line with data protection regulation and public interest, NIMC remains committed to protecting cardholders’ personal data and will ensure compliance with international standards on data security protocols as security features that protect the confidentiality and safety of users’ information.

“Key features will include: Machine-readable Zone (MRZ) in conformation with ICAO for e-passport information
Identity card Issue Date and document number in line with ICAO standard.

“Additional features include travel, health insurance information, microloans, agriculture, food stamps, transport, and energy subsidies, etc.

“Nigeria’s quick response code (NQR) containing the national identification number

“Biometric authentication, such as fingerprint and pictures, as the primary medium for identity verification through the data on the card chip

“Offline capability that allows transactions in areas with limited network coverage or zero infrastructure connectivity

“Functionality as a debit and prepaid card catering to both banked and unbanked individuals

“Requests for cards by registered citizens and legal residents will be made available online, at any commercial bank, various agencies or agents participating in multiple programs and/or any NIMC offices nationwide.”

By PRNigeria

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The Federal Government has decided to relocate the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) from the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to the Ministry of Interior.

This move aims to address the persistent challenges associated with National Identity Numbers (NIN), which are a crucial requirement for obtaining International Passports and other travel documents.

Under the previous administration, NIMC had partnered with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to link NIN with Subscriber Identity Modules (SIM) to combat issues like kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism.

Remarkably, over 100 million Nigerians successfully linked their NIN with their SIM within a span of three years.Sources in Abuja revealed that the process of transferring NIMC to the Ministry of Interior is being expedited, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to eliminate obstacles hindering the acquisition of NIN and Passports.

A source familiar with NIMC operations emphasized that the Ministry of Interior has historically been the natural home for NIMC and lamented that the NIN-related problems could have been resolved sooner with technological innovation, were it not for bureaucratic tendencies centered around contract awards.

The Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, Kayode Adegoke, confirmed the relocation, stating, “Yes, we have been moved.”

Adegoke also acknowledged the delays in issuing NINs, particularly for those needing corrections in birth dates or name sequences, but reassured that NIMC is launching a mobile application to address these issues.

He added, “We are introducing several innovations to tackle the problems. Nigerians will soon be able to request changes to their personal information online and receive real-time responses.”

Regarding concerns about fraudulent activities exploiting NIN-related problems, Adegoke dismissed such claims, asserting that these individuals were not associated with NIMC.Meanwhile, the Nigeria Immigration Service is deploying additional personnel to its frontline desks across the country to meet the two-week deadline set by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

The Minister had urged the Service to clear the backlog of over 200,000 Passport applications, and within just five days, over 55,000 applications have already been processed.

The Nigeria Immigration Service emphasized its commitment to meeting the deadline, with personnel working tirelessly, even during weekends.

The Acting Comptroller General, Mrs. Wura-Ola Adepoju, has been proactive in this endeavor, ensuring that all facilities and equipment are operating efficiently to expedite the Passport issuance process.

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TECHDIGEST – Nigerians will pay a new fee of N1,000 for National Identity Number  (NIN) integration and verification.

The spokesman of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Kayode Adegoke, in a statement yesterday, said the new arrangement was in furtherance of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy’s directive to streamline passport application, renewal and issuance processes.

He said every Nigerian seeking NIN  verification would pay verification fee of N1000; African countries, $3.00 (organization or its equivalent in other currencies) and other countries $10.00 (or its equivalent in other countries) NIMC and NIS have agreed on a revised applicant journey that will significantly improve the speed of passport issuance/re-issuance and  reduce the traffic visiting the NIS office(s).

The statement reads in part: “The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) wishes to inform  the general public that it has devised and agreed on a framework with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to significantly improve the quality of service, accuracy, and speed of passport services through the timely verification of the National Identification Number (NIN).

“This new arrangement is in furtherance of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy’s directive to streamline passport application, renewal, and issuance processes.

“Consequently, a NIN Verification fee would be charged for each Nigerian passport application for this service.

READ ALSO: NITDA, Uniccorn Sign MOU To Promote Indigenous Technologies

The NIN service, fees, and the new NIS process will go live on 1st April 2023.”

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TECHDIGEST – Beginning today, April 4, 2022, the federal government has directed telecom operators (telcos) to bar all outgoing calls on unlinked phone lines.

Phone users who failed to meet the March 31 deadline to link their National Identification Number (NIN) to the Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) in their phones will experience a connectivity blackout as government pushes to have only identifiable people access the national network.

In a statement signed jointly by Director, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Ike Adinde and Head of Corporate Communications, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Mr. Kayode Adegoke, the governmrnt revealed that at the end of the NIN-SIM linkage deadline, “over 125 million SIMs have had their NINs submitted for immediate linkage, verification and authentication. Similarly, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued over 78 Million unique NINs till date.”

According to the statement, “President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the implementation of the policy with effect from the 4th of April, 2022. Consequently, the federal government has directed all telcos to strictly enforce the policy on all SIMs issued (existing and new) in Nigeria.
“Outgoing calls will subsequently be barred for telephone lines that have not complied with the NIN-SIM linkage Policy from the 4th of April, 2022.”
READ THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW.
On behalf of the Federal Government, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has commended Nigerians and Legal Residents for their support during the exercise to link National Identification Number (NIN) to the Subscriber Identification Module (SIM). As of date, over 125 Million SIMs have had their NINs submitted for immediate linkage, verification and authentication. Similarly, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued over 78 Million unique NINs till date.
It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, gave the directive for the implementation and commencement of the exercise in December 2020, as part of the administration’s security and social policies. The deadlines for the NIN-SIM linkage has been extended on multiple occasions to allow Nigerians to freely comply with the Policy. The FG also took into consideration the passionate appeals by several bodies – Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Civil Societies, Professional Bodies and a host of others – for the extension of the deadlines in the past.
Accordingly, Mr. President graciously approved the many requests to extend deadlines for the NIN-SIM linkage. At this point however, Government has determined that the NIN-SIM Policy implementation can proceed, as machinery has already been put in place to ensure compliance by citizens and legal residents. The implementation impacts on Government’s strategic planning, particularly in the areas of security and socio-economic projections.
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the implementation of the Policy with effect from the 4th of April, 2022. Consequently, the Federal Government has directed all Telcos to strictly enforce the Policy on all SIMs issued (existing and new) in Nigeria. Outgoing calls will subsequently be barred for telephone lines that have not complied with the NIN-SIM linkage Policy from the 4th of April, 2022. Subscribers of such lines are hereby advised to link their SIMs to their NINs before the Telcos can lift the restriction on their lines. Affected individuals are hereby advised to register for their NINs at designated centers and thereafter link the NINs to their SIMs through the channels provided by NIMC and the Telcos, including the NIMC mobile App.
Professor Pantami specially appreciates President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) for his tremendous support. He also commends the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Dambatta, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Aliyu Azeez Abubakar along with their Management and Staff, as well as other notable bodies whose efforts have seen to the monumental success of the exercise. The Minister also extends his thanks to the telecommunication operators for their support towards the success recorded.
The Honourable Minister also emphasized that enrolment for the NIN is a continuous exercise and NIN is a precondition for service in Telcos, banks, Nigerian Immigration Service, and for several other government services. He also encouraged Nigerians and legal residents to visit NIN registration centers for the enrollment and issuance of valid NINs.

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TECHDIGEST – The Federal Government has urged the Citizens to link their national identification number (NIN) with the SIM Card without further delays.

It would be recalled that the Federal Government approved an extension of the NIN-SIM linkage deadline to the 31st of March, 2022.

In preparation for the enforcement, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) urges citizens and legal residents to use the next few days to ensure that they complete the linkage.

READ ALSO :  FG Extends NIN-SIM Verification As NIN Enrolments Surpass 71 Million

To this end, the Minister has further directed that the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) should offer enrolment services round-the-clock for the next few days, according to a statement jointly signed by Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director, Public Affairs Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Mr. Kayode Adegoke, Head, Corporate Communications National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Prof Pantami also thanks all those who have completed their NIN-SIM linkage.

“On behalf of the Honourable Minister, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, and the Director-General/CEO of NIMC, Engr. Aliyu Aziz, urge citizens and legal residents to take advantage of the window to complete the process of enrolment and verification within the next few days”, the statement reads.

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TECHDIGEST – The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced the restoration of the National Identification Number (NIN) Verification Service (NVS) portal, which went down last week due to maintenance by one of the Commission’s network service providers of it’s infrastructure, has been fully restored.

This was disclosed in a statement released on Saturday and signed by NIMC Head, Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke in Abuja.

Consequently, Adegoke said the Commission’s Customers and Service providers can now take full advantage of the two verification platforms – Tokenization and NVS – which are both effective for verification and authentication of the National Identification Number.

It expressed gratitude to the general public and partners for their support during the NVS downtime and use of the tokenization platform and assumed that the Commission will continue to come up with innovative identity management solutions to enhance its capacity to deliver on its mandate.

He reaffirmed the Commission’s resolve to come up with innovative identity management solutions to enhance its capacity to deliver on its mandate.you

The statement reads in part: ” The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is pleased to announce that the National Identification Number (NIN) Verification Service (NVS) portal, which went down a few days ago due to maintenance by one of the Commission’s network service providers of it’s infrastructure, has been fully restored.

Consequently, Customers and Service providers can now take full advantage of the two verification platforms – Tokenization and NVS – which are both effective for verification and authentication of the National Identification Number.

“The Commission will continue to come up with innovative identity management solutions to enhance its capacity to deliver on its mandate.”

Recall that the National Identification Number (NIN) Verification Service (NVS) portal broke down last wee due to maintenance by one of the service providers of its infrastructure.

The incident led to disruption of services by banks, telecom service providers, Police, Immigration and FRSC among others.

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