NIN: Rights group alleges extortion in Onitsha

By Emma Elekwa, OnitshaA Rights group, Campaign for Democracy (CD) in Anambra State has raised the alarm over alleged extortion at the ongoing National Identification Number (NIN) registration exercise in Onitsha, the commercial city of the state.The chairman, Comrade Ekene Nbadi who stated this on Friday in a chat with newsmen, alleged that subscribers pay as much as N3000 to N4000 before they were attended to, depending on their level of desperation.He further regretted that efforts to stop the action had been futile, calling for government intervention.He said, We lament the high rate of extortion going on in NIMC centres, particularly in Onitsha South Local Government Area. We got information that they collect as much as 3,000 to 4,000, depending on how desperate the individual is.If you dont pay, you wont be allowed to register. They dont have any option other than to pay. Refusal will amount to not being registered. Its either you pay or forfeit the process.Weve sent our men there to caution them to stop, but they didnt listen to them. Thats why were raising this alarm so the world will know.As Im talking to you now, there are no less than 500 people who are stranded, waiting for their turn. They normally count the number they can handle per day, and each day cant be more than 200.READ ALSO:SIM card registration: FG extends deadline for NINImagine collecting up to 3000 from each person, the amount of money theyre making each day. I believe that cant happen without the knowledge of the local government authority because its in the same premises.The group also called on the government to establish other centres, including banks and government offices to decongest the already saturated outlets.We have over 100m subscribers. Based on whats on the ground, theres no how the objective of the exercise will be achieved without establishing other outlets.Reacting, State Coordinator of the Commission, Mrs. Bibian Ekweonwu denied the alleged extortion, explaining that money being paid in the bank was legal.She however blamed the slow pace of the exercise on poor internet service, appealing to residents to be patient and always adhere to instructions meant to enable staff serves them better.
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