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Residents of Sapele, Delta State, have called on the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and relevant government authorities to closely monitor their officials and decisively check any form of corruption as the commission commences its ward to ward National Identity Number (NIN) registration exercise across the state, citing past experiences of alleged extortion and unethical conduct during similar exercises.
Several residents who spoke to newsmen, expressed fears that without strict supervision, some unscrupulous officials might exploit the exercise by demanding money before registering applicants, thereby undermining the purpose of the initiative. They urged NIMC to provide official complaint hotlines and deploy independent monitors to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness throughout the registration period.
According to them, previous NIN registration exercises in Sapele were characterized by unofficial charges, unnecessary delays, and preferential treatment for individuals who paid bribes. They lamented that many residents, especially the elderly, students, and low income earners, were either discouraged or denied access to registration due to their inability to meet such unlawful demands.
Speaking to newsmen, Mr. Osahon Edema said, “This ward to ward exercise is a welcome development, but it must be free as promised. In the past, people were asked to pay before they could be registered. We want NIMC to strictly monitor their officials and provide phone numbers where any misconduct can be reported.”
Another resident, Mrs. Blessing Ighorodje, emphasized that proper supervision would boost public confidence and ensure wider participation. She added that vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, elderly persons, and persons living with disabilities, should be given priority and treated with dignity.
The concerns come as the National Identity Management Commission is set to commence a statewide ward to ward NIN registration exercise across the 25 Local Government Areas of Delta State beginning Monday, February 16, 2026. The exercise, which will run daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until March 30, 2026, follows a Federal Government directive mandating NIMC to ensure that all eligible residents are captured in the national identity database.
Disclosing this in a statement, the Director General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Esq., said the Delta State Government has made adequate preparations to support the smooth conduct of the exercise.
He urged residents aged zero and above who are yet to enroll to seize the opportunity, noting that the NIN has become mandatory for accessing banking services, telecommunications facilities, government empowerment programmes, travel documentation, and other official and financial transactions.
Dr. Oghenesivbe further assured that registration centres would be located at designated Town Halls in every ward across the state to ensure easy access and convenience. He stressed that the registration exercise is completely free of charge and open to all residents, including newborn babies, children, and adults.
While welcoming the initiative, Sapele residents reiterated their demand for strict supervision, transparency, and zero tolerance for corruption, stressing that only a clean and accountable process would guarantee the success of the exercise and protect citizens from exploitation.
