Following the Federal Government’s policy, requiring network subscribers to update their sim cards using a valid National Identity Number (NIN), the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has on Tuesday announced the adoption of a booking system for the NIN enrolment due to the large crowd amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement was made in a statement signed by Mr. Kayode Adegoke, the Head of Corporate Communications, saying the new method is in a bid to prevent further spread of the COVID-19 while providing Nigerians with the necessary services.
Adegoke said the new booking system method for applicants will take effect from December 30, 2020, and applicants should visit the nearest NIMC offices between 9 am and 1 pm for bookings.
The statement reads in parts: “The recent Federal Government policy which requires mobile network subscribers to update their SIM registration with a valid National Identification Number (NIN) has occasioned a huge demand for the NIN with a large crowd visiting the NIMC Enrolment Centers nationwide.
“Mindful of the second wave of the COVID-19 which continues to severely affect public health and cause unprecedented disruptions, the Commission wishes to announce that it has adopted a couple of measures to contain the spread of the virus whilst ensuring its services to Nigerians are not entirely interrupted.
“Effective December 30, 2020, attending to applicants would be based on Booking System. For Bookings, applicants are to visit any of the NIMC Offices closest to them during stipulated business hours (9 am – 1 pm). Although the policy has been in place since 4th February 2020 applicants are now crowding all the centers.
“Personal Information would be collected for the sole purpose of scheduling an enrolment appointment. Please do not include any personal information other than what is required by the booking register.
“Once admitted into the office, a Number-Issuing queue management system will be in place to ensure orderliness and strict adherence to Covid-19 Protocols.”
“As a responsible Commission we fully understand that safety comes first, as such, only individuals with facemask would be allowed entrance into our premises.”