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  • Updated: April 02, 2021

FACT CHECK: Did Isa Pantami Say Nigerians Without NIN Will Be Jailed

FACT CHECK: Did Isa Pantami Say Nigerians Without NIN Will B

On Thursday, April 1, 2021, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami was widely quoted as saying Nigerians whoever does not obtain their National Identification Numbers (NIN) could go to jail for 14 years.

It was claimed that Pantami stated the possible consequence during the weekly ministerial briefing organized by the Presidential Media Team, at Aso Rock, Abuja, on Thursday.

Several online news platforms quoted him as saying: “National identity is a law and it is mandatory. And for you to even conduct certain activities in this country without the number is an offence.

“For you to get voters card in Nigeria based on section 27 of NIMC act (without NIN) is an offence. For you to open a bank account without NIN is an offence. For you to pay tax is an offence. For you to collect pension is an offence. For you to enjoy any government service without having NIN is an offence.

READ ALSO: I Do Not Have Houses Overseas - Isa Pantami Denies Social Media Rumour

“Section 29 says if you do any of these in S.27 without obtaining the national identity, you have committed a crime that will lead to fine or imprisonment or both. And this is 14 years.”

Minister Dispels Rumour Of 14-Years Jail Term To Those Without NIN

Reacting to the rumored report, Pantami took to Twitter on Thursday evening saying he was quoted out of context, adding that he never said that anyone without NIN will be jailed for 14 years.

Pantami noted that what he said was that NIMC has been 14 years in existence, since 2007.

He wrote: “This has been quoted out of context. Pantami has not mentioned “14 years imprisonment.” But said NIMC has been 14 years in existence, since 2007. Since the session has been recorded by journalists. It is better to release the video for public to listen to it, please. Best wishes!”

NIN Deadline Extended Till May 6, 2021

AllNews Nigeria reports that the deadline for NIN-SIM linkage has been extended from April 6 to May 6, 2021, by the federal government.

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami said in a statement on Friday, April 2 that the request for the extension was presented to President Muhammadu Buhari and he endorsed it.

Pantami also disclosed that the current number of monthly enrolments has increased significantly to about 2.6 million.

The statement jointly signed by Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde of NCC and Kayode Adegoke of NIMC reads thus;

“The meeting took place on Thursday, April 1, 2021, and approval was given to extend the period of the NIN-SIM linkage to the 6th of May, 2021. The request for the extension was presented to President Muhammadu Buhari and he endorsed it.

“With each individual having an average of 3 to 4 SIMs, the total number of SIMs tied to NINs would close to the total number of registered SIMs in the country.

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