Front End Partners (FEPs), a firm contracted by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for short-term enrolment activities, has raised concerns over the non-payment of contract fees despite successfully adding over sixty million National Identity Numbers (NINs) to the NIMC database during its engagement.
News About Nigeria gathered that in a letter addressed to the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the new supervisory ministry of NIMC, FEPs detailed its grievances, emphasising that it has been owed for 22 months, which violates the contract terms.
The letter, titled “RE: Request For Meeting On Payment Of Outstanding Enrolment Fees To FEPS And Matters Arising In The Commission”, dated October 12, 2023, requested an audience with the minister to discuss the challenges the firm has faced.
FEPs expressed its dissatisfaction with the non-payment of contract fees, highlighting that it had made substantial contributions to the NIMC database during its engagement.
The firm stated, “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 FEPs.”
The firm’s letter further pointed out that the devaluation of the Naira had eroded its gains and investments.
Some of its members were facing legal actions initiated by creditors, which led to the liquidation of assets and the garnishing of accounts.
Also, some members could not survive the humiliating and degrading experiences, resulting in untimely deaths.
FEPs requested the minister’s intervention, urging the management of NIMC to pay the outstanding fees covering 22 months at the prevailing exchange rate to help them offset their debts and losses.
The firm also emphasised the need to adhere to the terms of the agreement, which prescribes a monthly payment following the World Bank’s initial recommendation of a $1.00 fee per NIN enrolment.
This recommendation determined the official rate of 350 Naira used in the agreement.
FEPs encouraged the minister to ensure adherence to the extant laws governing procurement in Nigeria, promoting quality and pricing standards.
The letter was copied to the Director-General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote.
