The Nationwide Id Administration Fee confronted public backlash on Monday after a social media person accused the company of charging charges in U.S. {dollars} for Nationwide Identification Quantity knowledge modifications on its portal.
The person, generally known as “Akwa Ibom First Son,” posted a screenshot sighted by PUNCH On-line purportedly from the NIMC web site, displaying charges of $20.78 for adjustments to beginning dates, addresses, names, and cellphone numbers.
“Expensive NIMC, are you able to clarify to Nigerians why your web site expenses Nigerians in {dollars}?” the person wrote on X (previously Twitter)
In response, NIMC defined that the portal doesn’t cost in {dollars} and attributed the difficulty to using Digital Personal Networks.
“The usage of VPNs may cause the web site to detect a unique location and forex,” the fee mentioned.
To resolve the difficulty, NIMC suggested customers to show off their VPNs and take a look at once more. If the issue persists, customers can attain out to the assist staff for additional help.
In the meantime, the NIMC Self-Service Modifications portal permits residents and authorized residents aged 16 and older to request adjustments to their identify, cellphone quantity, date of beginning, and handle.
Some knowledge fields are non-updatable. The accredited price for a change of date of beginning request is N15,000, in line with data gathered from its web site.
Public response to the NIMC’s clarification was largely unfavourable.
One other X person, Yasir Jubril, said, “There’s clearly foul play right here! Whatever the location, companies needs to be charged in naira. And why is a change of identify or handle that costly?” mentioned Yasir Jubril, one other X person.
Different customers echoed this sentiment, questioning the technical design of the fee system.
“Naira playing cards can be utilized from anyplace. All their expenses needs to be in native forex, no matter location,” commented person John Wick.
Isa Kabir shared his expertise, stating that whereas initially the portal displayed charges in naira, it later confirmed charges in U.S. {dollars}. “I needed to ship a number of emails earlier than it was rectified. As an alternative of engaged on the location, they’re right here giving excuses,” he mentioned.
Earlier this month, NIMC Director Common, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, reiterated the fee’s dedication to transparency.
“My administration has zero tolerance for corruption.
“I hereby reiterate my dedication to sanitizing NIMC in conformity with the mandate of Mr. President. Enrolment for the Nationwide Identification Quantity is freed from cost in Nigeria,” she mentioned.
