NIMC faces criticism over alleged dollar billing on NIN updates

The National Identity Management Commission faced public backlash on Monday after a social media user accused the agency of charging fees in dollars for National Identification Number data modifications on its portal.

The user, known as “Akwa Ibom First Son”, posted a screenshot sighted The According purportedly from the NIMC website, showing fees of $20.78 for changes to birth dates, addresses, names, and phone numbers.

“Dear NIMC, can you explain to Nigerians why your website charges Nigerians in dollars?” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter)

In response, NIMC explained that the portal does not charge in dollars and attributed the issue to the use of Virtual Private Networks.

“The use of VPNs can cause the website to detect a different location and currency,” the commission said.

To resolve the issue, NIMC advised users to turn off their VPNs and try again. If the problem persists, users could reach out to the support team for further assistance.

Meanwhile, the NIMC Self-Service Modifications portal enables citizens and legal residents aged 16 and older to request changes to their name, phone number, date of birth, and address.

Some data fields are non-updatable. The approved fee for a change of date of birth request is N15,000, according to information gathered from its website.

Public reaction to the NIMC’s explanation was largely negative.

Another X user, Yasir Jubril, stated, “There is clearly foul play here! Regardless of the location, services should be charged in naira. And why is a change of name or address that expensive?”

Other X users echoed the same sentiment, questioning the technical design of the payment system.

“Naira cards can be used from anywhere. All their charges should be in local currency, irrespective of location,” John Wick said.

Isa Kabir shared his experience, stating that while initially the portal displayed fees in naira, it later showed fees in dollars.

“I had to send several emails before it was rectified. Instead of working on the site, they are here giving excuses,” he remarked.

Earlier this month, NIMC Director General Abisoye Coker-Odusote reiterated the commission’s commitment to transparency.

“My administration has zero tolerance for corruption.

“I hereby reiterate my commitment to sanitising NIMC in conformity with the mandate of Mr President. Enrollment for the National Identification Number is free of charge in Nigeria,” she said.