Babatunde Hunpe, the chairman of the Badagry Local Government Area, Lagos State, has warned APC members undergoing e-registration at the NIMC office against patronising touts.

Mr Hunpe gave the warning during an unscheduled visit to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) office in Badagry on Tuesday.

The turnout for National Identification Number (NIN) registration has risen due to the ongoing APC membership e-registration exercise.

The council boss, however, stressed that registration and revalidation are free.

“President Bola Tinubu has directed that NIN registration should be free. Nobody is authorised to collect money from anyone.

“If anyone approaches you within the NIMC premises, do not follow them. They are not staff and only want to extort money,” he said.

He said his visit was to commend NIMC staff for their commitment and growing workload.

“I am here personally to appreciate the staff for the great job they are doing in this council.

“The daily turnout shows their dedication, especially since the APC membership e-registration began,” he said.

Mr Hunpe promised to increase staff allowances as a gesture of appreciation for their efforts.

Responding, the officer-in-charge of the Badagry NIMC office, Ann Edomi, thanked the chairman for the gesture.

She said the commission would continue to fulfil its mandate by ensuring prompt registration of residents for NIN.

(NAN)