Rahma Ahmed
By Ahmed Rahma
Nigerians may begin to heave a sigh of relief as the Airtel Nigeria has commenced the enrolment of its subscribers for the National Identification Number (NIN).
Since the federal government announced that mobile phone owners who failed to link their SIM cards with their NINs would be disconnected, things have not been easy for Nigerians who do not have NIN.
At the various offices of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) across the country, the huge crowd has caused many to worry, especially because of the risk of being exposed to COVID-19.
But many of them have had to risk their health for the number because they do not want to lose their phone lines, which have been a source of livelihood for many of them.
Worried by the hardship its subscribers have had to go through, Airtel sought the permission of the federal government to register its subscribers for NIN and this has been granted.
With this development, mobile phone users on the company’s network with the NIN can go to select retail outlets of the company across the country for enrolment.
Speaking on this new development, the Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Mr Segun Ogunsanya, commended the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr Isa Ali Pantami, for expanding the registration footprints and taking definitive steps to smoothen the NIN registration process for Nigerians.
“Airtel is always seeking opportunities to cooperate and partner with the Nigerian government on initiatives that will make life easier and better for Nigerians.
“As a law-abiding and responsible corporate citizen, we are always ready to go the extra mile for our esteemed stakeholders and that is why we are pleased to partner with the federal government and NIMC on citizens’ registration exercise,” he said.
According to the telco, while selected retail outlets in Lagos and Abuja are now fully operational to register Nigerians for the NIN exercise, work is currently ongoing to expand its NIN footprints to cover more areas and States.
The network provider said residents of Abuja can visit Transcorp Hilton situated in Mataima or Airtel showrooms at Carpet Plaza and Kano Crescent in Wuse 2, while those in Lagos can walk into Airtel Express Point on Oyin Jolayemi, Victoria Island or Airtel showroom in Adeniran Ogunsanya, Surulere, Lagos.
Lagos residents can also visit the Airtel showroom in Tejuosho, Yaba; Airtel showroom in Isheri Road, Ogba and the Airtel showroom in Oba Akran, Ikeja to register for the NIN exercise.
For customers who already have NINs, they have the option to send their NINs to Airtel via USSD, SMS or through the Airtel Self Care app or website to update their SIM registration details.
