Pantami says digital identity number is at no cost to Nigerians

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, said the Federal Government was bearing the cost of the registration process.

As such, the Digital Identity Number is completely free for all Nigerians and legal residents with Resident Permit from the Nigeria Immigration Service.

In a statement, Technical Assistant on Information Technology to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Femi Adeluyi, said it had been brought to the attention of the minister that some applicants for the Digital Identity Number alleged that they were being asked to pay for the service.

He said for the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government was bearing the cost of the registration process and as such, the Digital Identity Number was completely free for all Nigerians and legal residents with Resident Permit from the Nigeria Immigration Service.

Adeluyi said the Digital Identity Number was the right of every citizen, based on the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Act 2007.

He added that the Minister had directed the Director-General of (NIMC) to investigate these allegations with a view to bringing the perpetrators, if any, to book.

He said the Director-General would also provide a platform for such allegations to be reported.

“On behalf of the Federal Government, the Honourable Minister wishes to commend the Management and Staff of NIMC who have carried out their assignment conscientiously during, and even outside, working hours.

“Your sacrifice is appreciated. The Honourable Minister is working daily to ensure the conditions of service and welfare of the staff are favourable,” Adeluyi said.

He said the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy was committed to creating an enabling environment for all Nigerians and legal residents to obtain their Digital Identity Number.