The Federal Government has insisted that the National Identity Number (NIN) is mandatory for transactions, including opening of bank account, voters registration and payment of tax, among others.
According to Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, Section 27 of the NIMC Act stipulates that to partake and enjoy government services without NIN is an offence, punishable by fine or imprisonment.
Pantami made this known on Friday when he hosted the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) in his office.
“NIN is a mandatory number based on NIMC order of 2007, but has actively been neglected for years,” he said.
“So, we have come up with so many policies trying to ensure our citizens obtain the number.
“It is important beyond SIM registration; it is important for whatever you do, because it is the primary identity of our citizens. There is no Identity that will define you are a citizen more than that number.
“It is mandatory for transaction, like opening bank account, paying tax, voters’ registration and many more. Section 27 clearly stated that even to partake and enjoy government services without that number is an offence. You must obtain before you engage the government in any business.”
He explained that Section 29 of the Act says anyone who fails to enroll and do transactions has committed a crime that would lead to imprisonment, adding: “We always ensure that citizens obtain it. The law only gives you 60 days to obtain from the time it was approved.”
On complaint that some states have not complied with the RoW policy, Pantami pledged to engage the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), and National Economic Council of the matter without compromising.
