Independent National Identification Number enrolment agents have raised concerns over prolonged financial hardship, health challenges, and psychological strain, blaming the situation on unpaid commissions.
The agents, operating under the Concerned Independent NIN Enrolment Agents, made their grievances known during a press conference and peaceful rally at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Centre in Ibadan.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Coordinator Paul Odebunmi said members have faced severe economic difficulties since 2021, when they were engaged to support the Federal Government’s mass identity registration exercise coordinated by the National Identity Management Commission.
Odebunmi explained that the agents were recruited through accredited Frontend Enrolment Partners under an arrangement that entitled them to commissions per successful enrolment. Many, he said, took loans exceeding N4.1 million under the AGSMEIS scheme to fund their operations, with the expectation that repayments would be deducted from their earnings.
While initial payments were made in April and May 2021, subsequent commissions were delayed for long periods. Although arrears for 2021 were eventually cleared, payments from 2022 onward remain largely outstanding despite continued enrolment activities during that period.
The group said aggressive loan recovery measures, including deductions from linked accounts, have worsened their financial situation, leading to personal and family challenges.
Their situation further deteriorated in October 2023 when their licences were withdrawn after a revalidation exercise, effectively halting their operations. They added that enrolment devices purchased through loans became obsolete following the introduction of a new system.
Despite assurances during a mediation session in March 2024 that payments would be addressed, the agents said only partial settlements have been made, which they described as inadequate.
They called on the Federal Government, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and other relevant authorities to intervene urgently, demanding suspension of loan recoveries, removal of restrictions on their bank accounts, and either cancellation or conversion of the loans into grants.
The agents warned that the current situation undermines the objective of the AGSMEIS scheme, which is intended to support small businesses rather than expose beneficiaries to financial distress.
