The Federal Government has said the Digital Identity Number is free for all Nigerians and says it would investigate allegations of extortion by some enrolment staffs of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami in a statement frowned at such act of extortion and advised applicants to resist such request as the Federal Government would bear the cost of the registration.
Njenje Media News has a text copy of his statement, it reads;
“It has been brought to the attention of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, that some applicants for the Digital Identity Number alleged that they are being asked to pay for the service.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government is bearing the cost of the registration process.
“As such, the Digital Identity Number is completely free for all Nigerians and legal residents with Resident Permit from the Nigeria Immigration Service.
“The Digital Identity Number is the right of every citizen, based on the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Act 2007,”
“The Director-General will also provide a platform for such allegations to be reported.”
“The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy is committed to creating an enabling environment for all Nigerians and legal residents to obtain their Digital Identity Number,” said Pantami.
