Connect with us

General

FG Cancels N20 NIN Retrieval Fee by Network Providers

Published

on

Isa Pantami

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

GSM network providers in Nigeria have been directed to stop charging N20 from subscribers for the retrieval of the National Identification Number (NIN).

On Tuesday, the federal government ordered the operators to block all mobile number not linked with the NIN from December 31, 2020.

This prompted the four major players in the industry; MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Glo and 9mobile to collaborate with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to create an Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) code to enable subscribers to retrieve their NIN without going to the office of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for such.

However, this service, which is offered through the *346# code, was with a fee of N20, which some Nigerians have kicked against, calling it another ploy to generate revenue for the government.

Recall that the federal government has been battling with low revenue generation because of a decline in the price of crude oil, the main source of earnings for the country.

This has made the government increase the value-added tax (VAT) to 7.5 per cent from 5.0 per cent. The situation has also made the federal government come up with means to increase fees where necessary and the citizens are saying the N20 fee for NIN retrieval was another strategy.

But the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr Isa Pantami, has said telcos should stop charging when subscribers use the *346# code.

The Minister, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Mrs Uwa Suleiman, said the directive is with immediate effect.

“The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to remove the N20 USSD fee imposed on subscribers for NIN retrieval requests.

“The Minister’s directive, which takes immediate effect, is an intervention aimed at making the process easier and affordable,” Mrs Suleiman said.

“In a letter conveying the implementation of the directive, the Executive Vice Chairman [of the] NCC and the Director-General of NIMC, informed Dr Pantami that the relevant authorities had met with, and negotiated a waiver with the Mobile Network Operators in that regard.

“By this waiver, all Nigerians, subscribers and applicants can access the service using the *346# code for their NIN retrieval at no charge for the duration of the NIN/SIM Card integration exercise,” she added.

Modupe Gbadeyanka is a fast-rising journalist with Business Post Nigeria. Her passion for journalism is amazing. She is willing to learn more with a view to becoming one of the best pen-pushers in Nigeria. Her role models are the duo of CNN's Richard Quest and Christiane Amanpour.

1 Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

General

Without an Empty Grave, There is no Christian Faith—Apostle Flourish Peters

Published

on

Jesus + Nothing Worship

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The Lead Pastor and Apostolic Head of the Love of God in Christ (LOGIC) Churches Global, Apostle Flourish Peters, has stressed the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ to the Christian faith.

Speaking at the church’s inaugural Jesus + Nothing Worship on Good Friday in Lagos, he informed the congregation that, “Without an empty grave, there is no Christian faith.”

“Our faith is fundamentally premised on this singular, undeniable truth – the empty grave. This is what distinguishes our faith; while over 4,000 religions exist, only one points to a vacated tomb.

“Ours is the unique faith where the very person we worship lives within us. We are truly elated that through the resounding success of Jesus + Nothing Worship, we were able to bring christocentric worship to the masses,” the cleric added.

Business Post reports that the programme, a powerful evening of gospel music, left attendees deeply moved and spiritually uplifted.

It served as a profound reminder of the sacrifice and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ, emphasising the core message that through a sober Friday came a Good Friday for all.

Several entertainers, including Timi Dakolo and Greatman Takit, alongside Neon Adejo, SMJ, Noble G, Steve Hills, Lily Perez, Joxie, Anderson Qozan, Pastor Victor Paul, Emeka Songz, Flo, Dorcas Moore, Magpsalms, Mera Owili, Gerald Bishung, Phebe Lion, Larry J and the Evolution Children’s Choir delivered soul-stirring performances that resonated with the central theme of redemption through Jesus Christ at the church’s headquarters in Lekki.

Apostle Peters said Jesus + Nothing Worship was an impactful success, declaring that it would become an annual event.

He emphasised that this worship session is intentionally focused on Jesus Christ, the message of salvation, and providing a vital platform to unveil the gospel talents within The LOGIC Church.

Jesus + Nothing Worship has been a truly unifying experience, allowing us to collectively focus on the profound significance of Jesus’ death and the abundant life we have in His resurrection.

“It is our vision to create a consistent platform where the power of music can amplify the core message of the Gospel and provide an opportunity for the incredible music ministers within our church to impact lives,” he stated.

Building on the momentum of the successful 2024 Jesus + Nothing Conference, the Jesus + Nothing Worship further solidified The LOGIC Church’s mission to cultivate a family centred on grace and faith, where the transformative Love of God in Christ is tangibly felt.

Continue Reading

General

Tinubu to Return to Nigeria Today After 19 Days Away

Published

on

Tinubu address nation

By Adedapo Adesanya

President Bola Tinubu will return to Nigeria today from his work visit to France, the presidency has said.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a post on his X handle on Monday.

President Tinubu left Nigeria on April 2, 2025, for Paris, France, on a short working visit. This means the President would have spent 19 days in the European nation if he arrives today.

According to the statement, President Tinubu used the retreat to review the progress of ongoing reforms and engage in strategic planning ahead of his administration’s second anniversary.

His latest trip had been faulted by major opposition leaders who criticised him for being away despite the rising insecurity in the country, especially in Benue and Plateau states, where scores of residents have been killed in attacks on several communities.

President Tinubu closest opponent at the 2023 presidential election and former Vice President, Mr Atiku Abubakar, asked him to end his trip to France and address the spate of insecurity in Nigeria.

Mr Atiku questioned Mr Tinubu’s continued stay in the European country despite the spate of killings across Nigeria.

“While Tinubu dines under chandeliers in the land of good governance, the country he governs is spiraling into chaos. Plateau has turned into a killing field — over 100 lives lost in relentless attacks,” his spokesman, Mr Paul Ibe, said in a statement on April 17.

Also, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, urged Mr Tinubu to suspend his France trip and urgently return to Nigeria to address the deteriorating security situation, particularly in Plateau and Benue states.

Continue Reading

General

NTYTP Advocates Youth-Driven Leadership, National Renewal

Published

on

Nigerian youths

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A youth-focused leadership development advocacy group known as the Not Too Young To Perform (NTYTP) has called for a renewed focus on youth-driven leadership and national transformation in Nigeria.

In a statement to greet Christians around the world for Easter, the organisation emphasised the urgent necessity of bringing more young people into leadership positions, noting that resetting the nation’s trajectory requires fresh energy, innovative ideas, and a break from the mistakes of the past.

In the message signed by its National Secretary, Mr Muhammed Bello, NTYTP described the 2025 Easter celebration as a period for deep reflection on the life, sacrifice, and resurrection of Jesus Christ — a story that embodies patience, perseverance, sacrifice, and ultimate victory.

It said the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ stand as timeless examples of strength, determination, and divine restoration, offering crucial lessons for a nation like Nigeria, which is currently in need of significant economic, social, and institutional reforms.

“We use this yuletide period to appeal to all State actors to prioritize the progress of this country above politics, region, ethnicity, and religion.

“Our actions today will determine whether future generations inherit a country they can be proud of,” the group stated.

NTYTP also expressed hope that the spiritual significance of Easter would inspire Nigerians to work collectively towards building a nation where unity, justice, and prosperity reign.

Continue Reading

Trending