Nigerian government cancels N20 NIN retrieval charges
Communications minister Isa Pantami has asked telecom providers to rescind N20 charges imposed on Nigerians to check national identification number (NIN).
The minister in a Friday morning statement hoped the telecom providers would comply with the directive with immediate effect.
The announcement came as the government was facing criticism for announcing an arbitrary deadline for deactivation of telephone lines not linked to NIN.
Only 42 million Nigerians have obtained NIN since the national database programme commenced over a decade ago; while subscriber base for telephone lines was pegged at 205 million last month.
This could leave 163 million telephone lines at risk of being disconnected by the end of the deadline on December 31, 2020 — two weeks away.
More from Peoples Gazette
World
Biden sworn in as America’s 46th president, preaches unity
After the president’s speech, Garth Brooks sang “Amazing Grace.”
Kano
Kano Hisbah chief advises parents to stop buying ‘big phones’ for their wards
Immoral acts are banned under Sharia law operating in Kano State.
Health
COVID-19: T.B. Joshua shuns Chris Oyakhilome, endorses vaccine for Nigerians
The Buhari administration has said it was exploring the option of local production of the vaccines in the country.
World
Biden can do ‘something spectacular’: Trump
Mr. Trump made a live broadcast on Wednesday morning as he was about to depart Joint Base Andrews for his retirement residence in Florida.
Hot news Home top
Court remands herdsman for attempted murder
The herdsman allegedly cut the victim’s right and left fingers in an attempt to kill him slowly.
States
Wike donates N500m to rebuild burnt Sokoto market, while markets in Rivers remain shut
Governor Wike stated that whatever affected Sokoto concerned Rivers.
