Monday, July 13, 2026

Nigerian government cancels N20 NIN retrieval charges

Only 42 million Nigerians have obtained NIN since the national database programme commenced over a decade ago.

• December 18, 2020
Telcos

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.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Kashim Shettima

NationWide

Speaker Abbas hails Shettima’s re-nomination as Tinubu’s running mate in 2027

Mr Tajudeen said the vice president had remained dependable since assuming office.

PTAD

NationWide

Harmonisation reforms will promote pension equity, restore confidence: PTAD

PTAD manages pensions under the old Federal Government pension arrangement.

NECO/WAEC logos

NationWide

Mixed reactions trail FG’s N50,000 approval for WAEC, NECO exam fee

Ms Ogunkoya urged the government to balance cost recovery with citizens’ access to essential public services.

Armed policemen

Hot news Home top

Man arrested for allegedly beating wife to death over food in Nasarawa

The police spokesman added that the suspect expressed remorse over the incident.

ROAD CRASH

Heading 5

Seven die in Bauchi-Maiduguri road crash

The police spokesperson said an investigation had commenced to determine the immediate and remote causes of the accident.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

World

FBI offers $50,000 reward for information on fugitive wanted for violent crimes

A federal arrest warrant was issued for Mr Singh in the United States District Court, Central District of California, Los Angeles, California on July 1.