NIN: FG Gives New Mandatory Directive

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, has stated that the National Identification Number (NIN) is mandatory for the payment of taxes and voter registration during elections.

Pantami stated this in Abuja on Thursday, February 11, adding that the NIN is also needed for the opening of bank accounts in the country.

Further, he said that the number is essential for national planning, budget, security, and social development.

Moreover, he noted that as contained in section 27 of the NIMC Act, benefitting from the federal government’s services as a citizen without a NIN is an offence punishable by section 29 of the same act.

Pantami stated: “So we’ve come up with so many policies trying to ensure that 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’s no identity that will define you as a citizen more than that number. It is mandatory. And it is mandatory for transactions such as opening bank accounts, paying tax, voter registration and many more.”