As the deadline for registration of the National Identification Number (NIN) and Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) looms, Nigerians are besieging telecommunications branches in a last-minute bid to comply with the government’s demands.
The looming deadline, which was initially set months ago but has been extended several times, has caused chaos at registration centres across the country.
For example, the Telecommunications Bureau in Lagos is jammed with long queues of customers trying to link their NIN to SIM cards as per the directive of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The government had warned that failure to meet the set deadline (September 14) would result in the deactivation of SIM cards and cut off millions of Nigerians from mobile communication services.
For example, the situation was tense at an MTN branch in Ikota, Lagos State, as hundreds of people rushed to submit their details before the deadline. Security personnel struggled to maintain order, and many frustrated citizens complained of long wait times and slow 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.
“Today (Thursday, September 5, 2024) there was a network but the queue was too long. As at 9:00 am, 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,” complained Christiana Okafor, a businesswoman.
Another woman, who asked for anonymity, said she was at the centre for an hour but had not been attended “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 linking process was introduced as part of government efforts to curb the rising security situation in the country, especially in the fight against terrorism, robbery, and fraud. The initiative aims to properly identify all SIM card users and limit the anonymity often exploited by criminals.
However, the programme has been fraught with challenges. Many Nigerians have complained of difficulties obtaining their NIN, citing delays at NIMC centres, lack of enrolment centres, and technical glitches in the system.
An employee at one of the Telcos branches told Journalists that the NIMC database has been inaccessible since last Friday 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 response, NIMC said NIN registration, verification and authentication, data changes, and other services would continue to run smoothly to meet Nigeria’s NIN-SIM linking deadline requirements.
The commission reiterated that all its over 10,000 NIN registration centres across the country and in the diaspora are accepting NIN registrations. “Nigerians and legal residents can visit any of the centres to enroll and be issued the NIN”, it said.
The assurance comes in view of the September 14, 2024, NIN-SIM linking deadline. NIMC also informed Nigerians and legal residents that applicants who wish to change their NIN details can do so through the NIMC self-service portal. Also, NIN holders and applicants can make enquiries on NIN enrolment centres, processes, and procedures for NIN Data modifications via its website.
The Commission reiterated that it has zero tolerance for all forms of extortion and unethical practices and that NIN registration is free of charge. Any issues relating to extortion or any form of unfair practices against applicants are likely to escalate.
