Federal government has issued a stern warning that Nigerians without National Identification Number (NIN) would be liable to at most 14years jail term.

This was contained in a statement during a briefing organised by the media department of the presidential villa, Abuja, led by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Pantami Isa.

Pantami, however, warned Nigerians risked between 7 to 14years of imprisonment as prescribed by the constitution, if they failed to obtain the NIN registration, adding that government would not allow such citizens without NIN enjoy services.

The Minister noted that while obtaining a SIM card may be optional, NIN was mandatory, and transactions conducted in Nigerian, would be done with NIN.

He said NIN would determine the accurate number of Nigerians because of its uniqueness and tamper-proof quality, contrary to population census that is susceptible to manipulations.

Part of the statement reads, “Based on the requirements of the law, each and every citizen and legal law residents must obtain his/her National Identification Number (NIN) which is being coordinated by National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). It is required by law, but many citizens ignore it.”

According to federal government, “51 million Nigerians have enrolled for the National Identity Number (NIN).

“Equally, about 189 million Subscribers Identification Module (SIM) has being registered in the country, 150 million have completed registration, while the remainder has the problem of improper registration.”

He said, improper registration has posed a challenge, but stated that government would address the situation.

Lolo Ijeoma Njoku reporting, Obinwannem News