By Ahmed Rahma
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has adopted a booking system for National Identity Number (NIN) enrolment so as to curb the spread of COVID-19 virus.
According to a statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications, Mr Kayode Adegoke, the commission adopted a couple of measures to contain the spread of the virus whilst ensuring its services to Nigerians are not entirely interrupted.
The statement issued on Tuesday further stated that from December 30, 2020, applicants would be attended to based on a booking system.
This means applicants would be required to visit any of the NIMC offices closest to them during stipulated business hours (9 am – 1 pm) to book an appointment.
It informed that personal information would be collected for the sole purpose of scheduling an enrolment appointment, urging subscribers not to include any personal information other than what is required by the booking register.
It further explained that 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.
“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 centres 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 a 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 February 4, 2020, applicants are now crowding all the centres.
“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,” the agency said.
It urged the general public to cooperate with it as it deploys its staff to work assiduously to respond to the new normal.
Modupe Gbadeyanka 
Adedapo Adesanya