by Ranti Joseph

Is the thing now, federal agencies scamming naïve Nigerians or is it as they claim again, fraudsters toying with people? The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) said it has sacked 406 staff found with fake appointment, promotion, conversion and upgrading letters inherited from the defunct Department of National Civil Registration (DNCR) and the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).

General Manager, Corporate Communications, Abdulhamid Umar on Tuesday, in a statement said the irregularities were discovered during a staff audit and verification exercise to absorb and integrate about 1000 staff given to NIMC. The regular audit was part of the background checks conducted by the NIMC on its staff to avoid compromising the National Identity Database (NIDB).

He said the audit is also part of the Commission’s continued efforts, to ensure that the National Identity Management System (NIMS) project was not in any way endangered.

“At the initial stage, the audit turned up some fake and unverifiable appointment/promotion/conversion letters belonging to some staff of the defunct DNCR. Against this background and for the purpose of justice, equity and fair hearing, the defaulters were queried appropriately.

“A number of persons were cleared after a rigorous process that involved a sustained background check and confirmation of tendered documents as response to the queries, while some others were to be subjected to further investigation through a valid disciplinary committee set up to determine the veracity of their claim”, he said.

Umar said after conducting the audit, it was discovered that 406 staff obtained fake conversion, upgrading, and appointment and promotion letters stating that the sacked staff will be handed over to the relevant security agencies to deal with the criminal aspects. He noted that NIMC remains committed to zero tolerance policy on corruption and fraud related offenses and will not be seen to lack in its effort to maintain the integrity of the NIMS.

“No individual, union or group under any guise will be allowed to compromise or undermine the nine years of the country’s investment and efforts in achieving identity management system.

“The Commission also wishes to add that the distribution and issuance of the National e-ID Card has commenced in batches in the 36 state capitals and the FCT. All registered applicants are advised to proceed to the centre of enrollment once he/she receives an SMS from NIMC”, he added.

Janeth J