A group of independent National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment agents has raised concerns over prolonged financial hardship, health challenges, and psychological strain among its members, attributing the situation to unpaid commissions.
The agents, under the aegis of Concerned Independent NIN Enrolment Agents, voiced their grievances during a press conference and peaceful rally at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Coordinator Mr. 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, reports The Nation.
According to Odebunmi, the agents were recruited through an accredited Frontend Enrolment Partner (FEP) under an arrangement that entitled them to a commission per successful enrolment.
To fund their operations, many agents obtained loans exceeding N4.1 million under the AGSMEIS scheme from a microfinance bank, expecting repayments to be deducted from their earnings.
He explained that while initial commission payments were made in April and May 2021, subsequent payments were delayed for extended periods, placing agents under significant financial pressure.
Although arrears for 2021 were later cleared, commissions from 2022 onward remain largely outstanding despite continued enrolment activities during that period.
The group also raised concerns over loan recovery measures, noting that deductions from various accounts linked to affected individuals intensified financial strain and triggered personal and family challenges.
The situation was further compounded in October 2023 when the commission withdrew the agents’ licences following a revalidation exercise, effectively halting their operations. They added that enrolment devices procured through the loan arrangement became obsolete after a new system was introduced, leaving many without viable means of income.
Despite assurances during a mediation session in March 2024 that outstanding payments would be addressed, the agents said only partial settlements have been made, which they described as insufficient.
The group called on relevant authorities to urgently address the outstanding payments and provide relief measures to ease the financial burden on affected agents.
Efforts to renegotiate loan terms with NIRSAL Microfinance Bank, including a formal meeting held in August 2025, have also failed to yield tangible results, the group added.
They noted that requests for access to their account statements have not been granted.
The agents called on the Central Bank of Nigeria and other relevant authorities to urgently intervene.
Among their demands are the immediate suspension of GSI-linked loan recoveries, the convening of a stakeholders’ meeting involving all parties, the removal of liens placed on their Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs), and the outright cancellation or conversion of the loans into grants.
Odebunmi argued that the current situation undermines the core objective of the AGSMEIS scheme, which is designed to support small and medium enterprises rather than expose beneficiaries to financial distress.
“We appeal to the federal government and all relevant stakeholders to ensure a fair, humane, and lasting resolution to this crisis.”
