Residents of Badagry have been cautioned against patronising touts and unauthorised agents as turnout increases at the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) office in the area.

The warning was issued by the Chairman of Badagry Local Government Area, Hon. Babatunde #Hunpe, during an unscheduled monitoring visit to the NIMC registration centre on Tuesday. The visit followed a surge in applicants linked to the ongoing APC membership e-registration exercise across the council.

Addressing registrants, Hunpe stressed that National Identification Number (NIN) registration and data revalidation remain completely free, in line with federal government directives.

“Nobody is permitted to collect money for NIN registration. Anyone asking for payment within or around the NIMC office is not authorised and should be avoided,” the chairman warned.

He explained that the visit was part of the council’s oversight responsibility to ensure residents are not exploited, especially during periods of heavy demand for public services.

Hunpe also commended NIMC staff in Badagry for maintaining professionalism despite the increased workload, noting that the daily influx of applicants had risen significantly in recent weeks.

In response, the Officer-in-Charge of the Badagry NIMC office, Mrs. Ann Edomi, appreciated the chairman’s intervention and reassured residents of the commission’s commitment to timely and transparent NIN registration.

She added that officials would continue to work with security personnel to curb the activities of touts around the premises.

The Badagry Local Government has urged residents to report any cases of extortion or impersonation as efforts continue to improve access to identity registration services across the Badagry axis.