The federal government has reiterated that registration for the National Identity Number (NIN) is free of charge.
The clarification on Saturday, became necessary following allegations by some applicants that they were being asked to pay for the service.
Meanwhile, the federal government said it has ordered investigations into the allegations.
Dr. Femi Adeluyi, the technical assistant to the minister of communications and digital economy, Isa Pantami, on information technology, stated this in a statement on Saturday.
He stressed that the national identity card is the right of every Nigerian.
“The National Identity Number is completely free for all Nigerians and legal residents with Resident Permit from the Nigeria Immigration Service.
“The National Identity Number is the right of every citizen, based on the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Act 2007, ” he said.
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He said the minister had instructed Aliyu Abubakar Aziz, the director-general of NIMC to investigate the allegations with a view to bringing the perpetrators to book.
“The Director-General will also provide a platform for such allegations to be reported,” Pantami added.
He expressed appreciation for the sacrifice of the Management and staff of NIMC who have carried out their assignment conscientiously during, and even outside, working hours.
He disclosed that the ministry was working to ensure the conditions of service and welfare of the staff were favourable.
The statement further quoted Pantami as reiterating the ministry’s commitment to ensuring an enabling environment for all Nigerians and legal residents to obtain their National Identity Number.
