51m Nigerians enroll for NIN- Pantami

• says total SIM registration now 189m
• failure to register may attract 14-year imprisonment

The Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Pantami, has revealed that more than 51million Nigerians have now been enrolled for the National Identity Number (NIN).

Pantami disclosed this on Thursday during the weekly ministerial briefing organized by the Presidential Media Team, at the presidential villa, Abuja.

According to him, registration for NIN is not optional, but a mandate by law, warning that failure to enroll precludes defaulting citizens and residents from operating certain functions like using banks and communication services.

He also warned that failure to obtain the NIN could lead to between seven and 14-year imprisonment as stipulated by the Nigerian Constitution, no one should enjoy government services without the number.

He said rather that than population census that can be manipulated, NIN will determine the accurate number of Nigerians because of its uniqueness and tamper-proof.