From Segun Amure, (The New Diplomat’s Abuja Bureau)
The Federal Government has approved the setting up of a National Identity Number (NIN) enrolment centre for foreign diplomats in the country.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, said the Special Centre is being set up on the request of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama and will be managed by his ministry.
A statement by Pantami’s Technical Assistant, Dr Femi Adeluyi, on Sunday in Abuja, said the desk would be set up on Jan. 19.
Adeluyi said: “this enrolment centre will provide support for members of the Diplomatic Corps and will be managed by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, through the National Identity Management Commission.
He further affirmed that, “the National Identity Number is mandatory for diplomats who will reside in Nigeria for a continuous period of two years or more”.
“It is also mandatory for all other lawful residents in the country as stated in Section 16 of the National Identity Management Commission Act 2007.
“The Law has made it mandatory for Nigerians and legal residents to obtain a NIN since 2007.However, compliance has been low, until recently.
“The federal ministry of communications and the digital economy remains committed to creating an enabling environment for all Nigerians and legal residents to obtain their Digital Identity Number,” Adeluyi said.
Recall that The New Diplomat had reported that 20 new registration centres have been reactivated for Abuja residents who were yet to enroll for their NIN.
The centres are expected to start operation on Monday, 18 January.
