Investigations reveal that FEPs, enlisted as enrolment agents in 2020, are grappling with two years’ worth of unpaid arrears for their crucial services in aiding Nigerians through the NIMC.
Despite the initial agreement for monthly payments, FEPs have only received compensation for six months in 2021, leaving a financial gap over the past two years.
Initially engaged in January 2020, FEPs emerged as a solution when NIMC’s outlets struggled to meet the ambitious target of enrolling over 200 million Nigerians.
The intended monthly payments, designed to alleviate the financial burden on enrollees, have been inconsistently upheld, leading to financial strains on the FEPs.
The prolonged non-payment poses severe implications, with FEPs investing in equipment through loans, now left unpaid.
This financial setback jeopardizes the smooth functioning of the enrolment process and hampers citizens’ access to NIN.
The former Director-General, Engineer Aliyu Azeez, committed to settling outstanding payments.
However, under the new leadership of Engineer Abisoye-Coker Odusote, enrolment by FEPs has been halted for a revalidation process, causing a backlog in enrolment and a return to the challenges of limited locations for citizens.
With FEPs sidelined, NIMC officers are overwhelmed, leading to extended queues and delays in the enrolment process.
The closure, initiated in October, has persisted into November, risking a three-month setback in enrollment.
Responding to concerns, Mr. Ayodele Babalola, the Special Adviser on Media to the NIMC CEO/Director General, clarified that the delay in payment is attributed to a meticulous revalidation process aimed at enhancing data security and compliance.
He reassured the public that the NIN project remains secure, with ongoing enrolment in state and local government offices.
Babalola emphasized that the revalidation exercise is a proactive measure to uphold the highest standards of data security and compliance.
The process aims to eliminate infractions, ensuring seamless and secure NIN enrollment and modification services. NIMC expresses commitment to settling outstanding debts before the renewal of FEP licenses.
