The Federal Government has mandated foreign diplomats to obtain the National Identity Number (NIN).
In line with the directive, the Federal Government said it has approved the setting up of an enrolment centre for members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Pantami disclosed this in a Sunday statement signed by his Technical Assistant on Information Technology, Dr Femi Adeluyi.
According to the statement, the enrolment centre will be set up by Tuesday, January 19.
“This enrolment centre will provide support for members of the Diplomatic Corps and will be managed by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, through the National Identity Management Commission.
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“The centre is being set up based on the request of the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, in order to simplify the process for diplomats.
“The National Identity Number is mandatory for diplomats who will reside in Nigeria for a continuous period of two years or more.
“It is also mandatory for all other lawful residents in the country as stated in Section 16 of the National Identity Management Commission Act 2007.
Pantami said that the law made it mandatory for Nigerians and legal residents to obtain a NIN since 2007.
“However, compliance has been low, until recently. The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy remains committed to creating an enabling environment for all Nigerians and legal residents to obtain their Digital Identity Number,” the minister said.