Court Orders Extension of NIN registration, Sets New Deadline for Enrolment

- The Lagos division of the Federal High Court has concluded its hearing on a suit relating to the extension of the deadline for NIN registration

- The trial judge, Justice Maureen Onyetenu, ruled against the federal government in favour of the plaintiff

- The ministry of communication and digital economy has not made any statement about the ruling

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The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the extension of the deadline for National Identity Number (NIN) registration.

According to Vanguard, the court in a ruling declared that the exercise should be extended by two months effective from Tuesday, March 23, 2021.

The judgment was given in respect of a suit filed by a human rights lawyer, Monday Ubani, against the federal government, the Communications Commission (NCC), and the minister of communication and digital economy.

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The plaintiff had argued that the initial two weeks ultimatum (now extended to April 6, 2021) given to telecommunication operators to block SIM Cards of Nigerians who have not registered their SIM Card with NIN if allowed, will infringe on his constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of expression, right to own moveable property and right to life.

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The lawyer, therefore, prayed to the court for an order halting the said ultimatum and extending the deadline, This Day reported.

In response, the trial judge, Justice Maureen Onyetenu granted the request of the plaintiff by ordering the extension of the exercise.

Meanwhile, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has urged Nigerians to report any form of fraudulent activity and extortion recorded in the on-going National Identification Number (NIN) registration.

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The director-general/CEO of the agency, Aliyu Aziz, in a statement on Wednesday, March 10, stated that NIMC is opposed to any unwholesome practice in the process of biometric registration

The commission disclosed that some of its staff found culpable in extorting people were sacked. It said it had set up a means to check unethical practices during registrations. The agency also urged members of the public to desist from enabling extortions.

Kess Ewubare is a senior political/current affairs correspondent at Legit.ng. He has both a BSc and a Master’s degree in mass communication. He has over 10 years experience working in several fields of mass communication including radio, TV, newspaper, and online. He can be reached via email at kess2099@gmail.com.

Source: Legit.ng