With the deadline for the National Identification Number (NIN) and Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) registration fast approaching, Nigerians are besieging the telecommunication outlets in a last-minute rush to meet the government’s requirements.
The deadline, initially set months ago but extended multiple times, now moves closer, creating a chaotic scramble at registration centres nationwide.
In Lagos, for instance, telecommunication offices are overwhelmed by long queues of customers trying to link their NIN to their SIM cards, in compliance with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) directive.
The government had warned that failure to comply by the set deadline (14 September) would result in the deactivation of SIM cards, cutting off millions of Nigerians from mobile communication services.
For instance, at the MTN outlet in Ikota, Lagos, the situation was tense as hundreds of individuals jostled to submit their details before the deadline. Security personnel struggled to maintain order, with many frustrated citizens complaining about the lengthy wait times and the slow pace of processing.
“I have been coming to this centre since Friday, but I was told there is no network, as the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database is experiencing downtime.
I kept coming since Friday to this place, all to no avail.
Though there was a network today (Thursday, 5th of September, 2024), the queue was just too long. As at 9:00am, the last number given was like 300. My number is 164, but I cannot wait, because they are at number 36 and the time is already 12 noon,” Christiana Okafor, a business woman, lamented.
Another Lady, who spoke in anonymity, said she has been at the centre for one hour and has not been attended to. ‘As you can see, I am under a tent, waiting for my number (number 70) to be called. No one can go inside except he/she has a number,’ she added.
The NIN-SIM linkage process was introduced as part of the government’s efforts to curb the rising tide of insecurity in the country, particularly in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and fraud. The initiative is aimed at ensuring that all SIM card users are properly identified, reducing the anonymity that criminals often exploit.
However, the programme has been fraught with challenges. Many Nigerians have complained of difficulty obtaining their NINs, citing delays at the NIMC centres, lack of sufficient registration points, and technical glitches in the system.
A worker at one of the telcos’ outlets told LEADERSHIP that since last Friday, they cannot access NIMC database due to downtime. “The network just came up on Thursday, hence the crowd. We have been working around the clock to assist our customers. However, the NIMC downtime experienced during the few days and the sheer number of last-minute registrations is more than we anticipated. We urge Nigerians to remain patient as we work to ensure everyone is served.”
In its reaction, NIMC said, the NIN enrolment, verification and authentication, modification of data and other services are going on seamlessly to meet the needs of Nigeria for the NIN-SIM linkage deadline.
The commission reiterated that all its over 10,000 NIN enrolment centres across the country and in the diaspora are open for NIN enrolment. ‘Nigerians and legal residents can visit any of the centres to enrol and be issued the NIN,’ it stated.
This assurance is given in light of the 14th September 2024 deadline for the NIN-SIM linkage.
NIMC also informed Nigerians and legal residents that any applicant who wants to modify his or her NIN data can do so through the NIMC Self-Service portal. “Furthermore, NIN holders and applicants can make enquiries on NIN enrolment centres, processes and procedures for NIN Data modifications via its website.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to zero tolerance for all forms of extortion and unethical practices and that NIN enrolment is free! Any Issues bothering on extortion of applicants or any form of unwholesome practices can be escalated.
