HomeTechnology PoliciesEnrollment of NIN and its attendant realities Technology Policies Enrollment of NIN and its attendant realities In the last couple of weeks, the crave of an average Nigerian to apply for the National Identification Number can be likened to that of obtaining an international visa. Of course, this could only have been possible following a mandatory directives by the Federal Government that telcos subscribers with NIN have January 19 as deadline to link their NIN with their SIM cards while subscribers without NIN have until February 9 to do so. This is no thanks to the rise in the spate of insecurity the country is faced with; reason the development became necessary.The National Identity Management Commission is known for operating and regulating matters of national identity in Nigeria with services covering National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment. For those who have never registered for the NIN, they will need to visit any National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) office closer to them. To locate the closest to office is to visit this link: https://www.nimc.gov.ng/nimc-enrolment-centres/It is therefore important to fill the enrollment form prior to visiting any NIMC office so as to hasten the registration process. This can be can downloaded here: https://www.commtech.gov.ng/Doc/enrolment_form_v2.pdf For those who have already registered and obtained their NIN but can’t remember it, it is easy to retrieve by dialling *346# using the phone number they registered with. They from there visit a NIMC office to print another slip.Since the directives, both physical and conscious efforts of Nigerians not to have their phone lines disconnected have ignited a mad rush, as they throng the registration centres on a daily basis. Meanwhile, the exercise had, since its commencement, been greeted with developments capable of stifling the smooth process of obtaining the slip.Such was the demand for money by NIMC officials at the registration center, as well as the 20 naira USSD charge of linking the NIM number with phone digits. What soon sparked public outrage was later prohibited by the authorities. The latest, however is the strike action embarked upon by workers at the NIMC office, as they demanded improved working conditions, as well as issues relating to promotion of workers and required saftety measures in the discharge of their duties.Although, the strike has been suspended, a 21-day ultimatum had been issued for their demands to be attended to after which they will embark on an indefinite strike, should the government fails to do the needful.But aside the picketing, another major concern is the overcrowding witnessed at the application centres across the country. What appears a total disregard for Covid-19 protocols has raised concerns of a possible spike in the disease if not controlled. The federal government is hereby considering to put the exercise on hold due to the unprecedented surge. Meanwhile, the Chairman of Mobile Software Solution, Chris Uwaje, has been quoted to have recommended a twin strategic approach to resolving the issue.First, he urged the Federal Government to equip workers with digital infrastructure to enable them work from home. He said this will require NIMC to deploy a Virtual Private Network for security.Secondly, Uwaje said NIMC should deploy secured Mobile (Vehicular) Registration Centres equipped with Internet connectivity and access to the VPN to increase productivity.He also called for more funding of the Commission and more media funding for more awareness in indigenous languages to reach millions of users in the rural areas.As of October 2020, the total number of mobile network connections was 207.58 million, but currently, only 43 million Nigerians have NIN, thus 164 million telephone users are at the risk of being deactivated. Support PisonTechAfrica.com For inspiring tech content and articles, PisonTechAfrica.com is the platform to go. Great content takes a lot of resources; we are poised to motivate young start-ups and give them leverage with our platform. It is a platform for inspiring tech entrepreneurs to display their talents. Africa is the next big thing for technology. PisonTechAfrica.com is the tech media platform committed to positioning Africa in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Donate Dayo Oyewo Share This Previous ArticleThe Power of the Social Media Next ArticleApplication Opens for 9th Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme January 12, 2021
