A group of independent National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment agents has raised grave concerns over what they describe as a growing health and humanitarian crisis within their ranks, linking prolonged financial hardship to cases of illness, psychological breakdown, and deaths.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Centre in Iyaganku, Ibadan, the agents said the failure of relevant authorities to settle their commissions has triggered severe consequences beyond economic losses.
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The agents, numbering over 300 nationwide, were engaged through File Solutions Limited under the supervision of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to support Nigeria’s mass NIN enrolment drive beginning in 2021.
However, they alleged that irregular and largely unpaid commissions despite delivering millions of enrolments have left many agents unable to meet basic financial obligations, including servicing loans obtained for the project.
According to the group, each agent accessed over N4 million in loans from NIRSAL Microfinance Bank under the AGSMEIS scheme, with repayment tied to expected monthly commissions. But the breakdown in payment structure, they said, has exposed them to relentless debt recovery measures.
They specifically accused the loan recovery system, implemented via the Central Bank’s Global Standing Instruction (GSI), of worsening their conditions, as funds are deducted indiscriminately from personal and third-party accounts.
“These deductions have not only crippled our businesses but have also led to emotional trauma, family crises, and serious health complications among our members,” the group stated.
In a particularly troubling disclosure, the agents revealed that some of their colleagues have died, while others are battling deteriorating health conditions attributed to stress, depression, and financial instability.
“Members have suffered psychological breakdowns, chronic illnesses, and in some cases, death. These are direct consequences of the hardship we have endured over the years,” they said.
The situation worsened in October 2023 when NIMC reportedly withdrew their operational licences following a revalidation exercise. The agents argued that this move abruptly cut off their only source of income, rendering them unable to repay loans tied to equipment procurement.
They added that the devices acquired through the loan primarily window-based systems were effectively rendered obsolete after NIMC transitioned to Android-based enrolment platforms.
Despite earlier assurances of intervention and payment most notably in 2024 following public advocacy, the agents said little has changed, with many still grappling with mounting debt, accrued interest, and declining health.
The group is now appealing to the Central Bank of Nigeria and other federal authorities to urgently intervene, warning that the situation could worsen if left unaddressed.
They called for an immediate halt to aggressive loan recoveries, a comprehensive review of their loan agreements, and compensation for affected members, particularly families of deceased agents.
“We are not just fighting for our finances anymore; we are fighting for our lives and dignity,” the group declared.
The agents urged the Federal Government to treat the matter as both an economic and humanitarian issue, emphasizing that timely intervention could prevent further loss of life.