The State Director of the National Identity Management Commission, Mrs. Efe Oki has apologised to Edo indigenes over the difficulties in acquiring the National Identity Number (NIN), during today's plenary at the Edo State House of Assembly.

Mrs. Oki in defense of the establishment, said they have recently taken delivery of computer systems to hasten the process as she denied payment for NIN before applicants are attended to, stressing that only changes made are paid for directly to government coffers.

The Director, who was summoned by the House of Assembly over difficulties by indigenes trying to acquire NIN, was grilled by the legislators, who were not happy with the lacklustre performance of the commission.

Legislators who spoke, described the experience of indigenes across the state to acquire the NIN as harrowing and very cumbersome in some cases they are made to travel across local government areas for the purpose.

They also called on the commission to engage media organisations towards sensitising the people on the importance of the NIN.

They include Hons Erick Okaka Owan East, Bright Iyamu Orhionmwon South, Waziri Oshioma Etsako-West 2, Ojie Inegbeboh Igueben, Frank Uyi Omonsigho Oredo-East, Natasha Osawaru Egor, and Maria Edeko Esan Northeast 2.

In his summation, Speaker, Rt Hon Chief Blessing Sheriff Agbebaku called on the NIMC Director to seek assistance from the National office to get more staff so as to reduce the stress on registrants of NIN as it is used for JAMB exams, Sim card registration, and other important documents in the country.

Rt. Hon. Agbebaku directed the Director to urgently seek means to extend their services to the 18 local government areas, get enough staff for maximum benefit of the people.