The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced the suspension, nationwide, of enrolment services for the issuance of the National Identification Number (NIN) due to the rampaging COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by the Commission’s Head, Corporate Communications, Mr. Kayode Adegoke, NIMC explained that the suspension of enrolment services was sequel to the Federal Government’s circular directing workers from grade level 12 downward to stay at home for the time being to stem the spread of the COVID-19.
“In line with the recent directive issued by the Federal Government of Nigeria for all officers on Grade Level 12 and below to stay off work, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) wishes to inform the general public that all enrolment activities and other ancillary services across the Federation are hereby suspended effective Tuesday, March 24, 2020 till further notice,” the Commissioned announced.
According to the NIMC statement, “this decision was reached in due consideration of the rising number of infected persons in the country as stated by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and NIMC’s desire to ensure the safety of all Nigerians coming for enrolment as well as that of its Staff.
“The closure is to curtail the rampaging coronavirus pandemic by encouraging strict adherence to social distancing and observance of necessary precautions.”
It stated further: “NIMC, like all well-meaning agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria, considers the health of Nigerians to be of paramount concern. Therefore, it is our hope that together, we would tackle the COVID-19 pandemic so that life can return to normalcy, and we can resume enrolment soonest.”
The closure also affects all other ancillary services offered by NIMC, including issuance of general multipurpose card as well as effecting of changes to enrolees’ data where need. Only last week, NIMC had announced suspension of enrolment in all its centres in five states – Lagos, Katsina, Ekiti, Ogun and Anambra – as part of proactive measures taken to avoid the spread of the virus to its members of staff and those coming for enrolment.