The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has refuted claims that its staff engaged in bribery and extortion across the country.

The Commission was reacting to a trending post on social media stating that NIMC staffs were demanding money before they could enrol people for the National Identification Number, NIN.

The post made by Nigerian reporter, @PIDOMNIGERIA, on the microblogging site X attracted various reactions from people, some followers of the account shared their experiences at the enrolment centers.

The post read: “The National Identity Management Commission @nimc_ng is a complete mess. Massive corruption is currently going on in all NIMC offices nationwide. They charge exorbitant amounts, which are not in their books. They take bribes before service can be rendered or fast-tracked.

“But the worst of it all is, their server has been endlessly down. Thereby denying people their chance to get international passports, travel documents, and other uses. A lot of persons have lost their overseas admission, or employment opportunities this year, because of NIMC server problems.”

Responding to the post, the commission said it has “a Zero tolerance policy towards all forms of extortion while ensuring that staff behave in an ethical manner at all times whilst performing their duties at work.”

It insisted that enrollment for the NIN is completely free while noting that only modification of data attracts N500, except change of name which is N15,000.

It further advised Nigerians to report any form of extortion they notice at their centres.

“Enrolment is FREE and all modification is N500 per field (except for Change of Date of Birth which is N15,000 for processing your request and it is non-refundable.

Applicants are advised to report any extortion via the following designated channels; actu@nimc.gov.ng or call 08157691214 /09034959433 for any payment that is not via remita or above the approved fee.”