Junior minister of health and member of the COVID-19 presidential task force, Olorunnimbe Mamora has disclosed that the ongoing National Identification Number NIN enrollment may be suspended due to large crowds which violates the COVID-19 protocols for social distancing.

The minister in an interview on Channels TV reiterated that it is the duty of the government to protect the people.

“We have the duty as government to ensure that people are protected; we also have a duty to ensure people comply within the limit of what is good for the society at large,” Mr. Makita said.

The minister registered his displeasure towards the breakdown of the COVID-19 precautionary measures at various NIMC enrollment centers.

“Nobody feels good; I don’t feel good looking at the picture where people are gathered in multitudes. It’s like a super spreader event which we don’t like. I’m also aware that the relevant ministry which is the ministry of communications and digital economy is looking at this,” he added.

Mr. Mamora then hinted that the process may be suspended altogether, to enable the government re-order the whole process in terms of management of the crowd.

Crowds continue to troop into NIMC enrollment centers across the country to satisfy the government-imposed directive of mandatory NIN registration to be able to access telecommunication services.

The health minister’s giving throws up another spate of bewilderment among experts and observers as to whether the government undertake proper policy audit before roll out.

The minister of communications and digital economy, Isa Pantami, blames Nigerians for the over crowing at NIMC enrollment centers across the country, though the workers union in NIMC say there is shortage of personnel and equipments for the excercise.

Minister Pantami claims it takes just five minutes to enroll for the NIN.