Large crowd gathered at the Alausa office of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in Lagos State on Monday morning to obtain National Identification Number (NIN) as ordered by the Federal Government last week.
This comes despite FG also warning against large gathering as the country battle second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It would be recalled that FG, through the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, issued a two-week ultimatum to all telecommunications operators in the country to block all Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) without NIN.
The Monday rush is therefore not unconnected to the ultimatum as Nigerians attempt to register for NIN in order to beat the federal government’s deadline for SIM deactivation despite several appeals to extend the date.
Read Also: Reps Ask NCC To Extend Two-Week Deadline On Blocking SIM Cards Without NIN
Following outrage from many Nigerians, House of Representatives asked the Federal Government to extend the deadline for the provision of NIN by telcos to 10 weeks.
The House, at the plenary on Wednesday, described the two weeks given to SIM card users by NCC to provide their NIN to service providers as grossly inadequate.
However, the Commission was yet to make a public reversal of its notice as at Monday, December 20.
The gathering at NIMC office has since sparked reactions from many Nigerians who called out both Lagos and Federal Government for giving conflicting directives.
It would be recalled that Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in preparation for second wave of COVID-19 infection placed a ban on concerts, street parties, and nightclubs.
He also ordered a shut down of schools and instructed civil servants from grade level 14 to work from home.
See some reactions from Twitter users below;
NIMC office at Alausa this morning, I have no choice than for them to block all my sims 😭. Can’t stand this bullshit!!! pic.twitter.com/SbHt9xHXip
— Omo Lere (@Omolere23) December 21, 2020
NIMC Office at ALAUSA this morning..
Can we remind People in Lagos there’s a lumbering second wave of #COVID19 in UK pic.twitter.com/YemYCj4HjM— OluwaJùwonlo O.O (@KingMikasaa) December 21, 2020
Close other establishments for flouting COVID19 rules and open NIMC for registration just because corona virus is afraid of Alausa.
So many “Ologbon di ori eja mu” in our Governement. 🤦🏾♂️ pic.twitter.com/GMF8W0MIzs
— Rayo Kasali #EndPoliceBrutality (@RayoKasali) December 21, 2020
Abi we should start playing music and turn up at NIMC office in Alausa since the law in Lagos don’t apply to stupid NIN registration?? pic.twitter.com/MjQ7Gl92Wy
— DragDaddy💡🏎 (@2muchdrag) December 21, 2020
E be like say na everybody dey NIMC office for Alausa
— Oscar-Romero (@mroscarromero) December 21, 2020
I learnt something new about Covid19 today!
It does not come to Govt convened events. Just look at the social distancing and handwashing crowd at NIMC Office Alausa. pic.twitter.com/Kdy6AmvQx0— PSHEGS (@pshegs) December 21, 2020
Amidst Covid_19 for goodness sake 😥🤦♂️See NIMC office at Alausa this morning.
Aren’t they endangering the lives of the innocent Nigerians stylishly? pic.twitter.com/SIvsz7e6eT
— Sufficiently Sufficient (@Abdulka07436445) December 21, 2020
Since they’ve shut down bars and all cos of Covid , as an igbo man, na to go NIMC office for Alausa set up mini Bar….Business Must go on, Hello?
— ⚓️ GEN. SNOWLOVE OF AFRICA (@RealSnowlove) December 21, 2020
After seeing the crowd at the NIMC office in Alausa this morning, I have given up on collecting my NIN.
Not even now that COVID-19 is spiking with a new strain from the UK.
They can block my SIMs I don’t care!
NCDC has reported over 9,000 cases in the last 14 days.
— Henry O #EndSARS (@MrOnos147) December 21, 2020
Surprised?
A govt that hid palliatives
Sent thugs @ peaceful protesters
Ordered soldiers to kill youths
Pampers bandits
Shut Uni&Poly 4 months
God bless @falzthebahdguy
This is Nig…enjoy d music
Alausa|NIMC|NCDC|FG|LAG#EndSARS #Covid_19 #COVID20 pic.twitter.com/1N6NgPGpsE— Teabb1 🇳🇬 (@Teabb11) December 21, 2020
