NIMC Contractor Writes Minister Over Non-Payment Of Contract Fees For 22 Months

A firm contracted for the enrolment of eligible citizens for the National Identity Number (NIN) in the short-term enrolment activities by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), identified as Front End Partners (FEPs), has decried the violation of contract terms by the agency.

The firm said it is suffering a heavy debt burden arising from bank loans used to procure equipment and other sundry expenses, monies owed to suppliers of consumables and accumulation of salary arrears, owed to staff, among others.

It said despite adding over Sixty million NINs to the NIMC database within the period of its engagement, they have been refused their contract dues for 22 months, and the firm is now suffering in debt.

It was learned that the firm was engaged in short-term enrolment activities that commenced in 2021.

Naija News gathered that in a letter addressed to the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the firm appealed to his audience on the matter.

In the letter dated October 12, 2023,  and titled “RE: Request For Meeting On Payment Of Outstanding Enrolment Fees To FEPS And Matters Arising In The Commission,”  and sighted by SaharaReporters, the firm said “The National database rose from 42 million to over 102 million NINs.

“The 42 million was achieved in over 15 years whereas it took less than 3 years through FEPs to register over 60 million Nigerians. This was made possible through heavy investments in Equipment and personnel by the FEPs. We have set up enrolment centers across the country, and our personnel have toured even the remote villages and settlements to enrol residents. This is reflected in the huge contribution to the National database by our members.”

The NIMC contractor, who also copied the letter to the DG/CEO National Identity Management Commission, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, submitted that the devaluation of the naira had eroded the gains and the investments, it made, adding that “Some of our members are currently going through court processes due to legal actions initiated by their creditors. Assets are being liquidated, accounts are being garnished, due to inability to pay back loans, and some could not survive the humiliating and degrading experiences which led to their untimely death, May their soul rest in perfect peace.

“It is our expectation that you will grant us an audience by meeting some of our representatives at your earliest convenience. You should please prevail on the management of NIMC to pay all outstanding of Twenty (22) months at the prevailing exchange rate to enable us to offset our debt and losses.

“We are aware that the enrolment fee prescribed at the inception of the project by the World Bank is $1.00 per NIN enrolment. This determined the 350 Naira official rate used in the agreement. We hereby request you, to use your good office to ensure adherence to the terms of the agreement, which stipulates monthly payment.

“We also suggest that you uphold the extant laws guiding any form of Procurement in our country. Such adherence invariably protects public officers in the future and guarantees that the country gets the best in terms of quality and pricing.”