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NIN linkage: Nigerians in Diaspora complain of neglect
Nigerians living in the Diaspora have voiced frustration over the lack of assistance from the Central Bank of Nigeria and banks in facilitating the linkage of their bank accounts with their National Identification Numbers.
The President of the World United Consumer Organisation, Clement Osuya, who raised the alarm in an interview on Friday, said the perceived neglect had become a source of discontent, as individuals feel unsupported in the crucial process of aligning their banking details with the mandatory NIN requirement.
He bemoaned the apex bank for not offering any viable means for Nigerians living abroad to link and obtain their NIN.
Recall that the CBN mandated all commercial banks in the country last year to restrict tier-1 accounts without a proper Biometric Verification Number and NIN link by March 1, 2024.
According to Osuya, around 70 million bank accounts are at risk of being frozen by their respective banks.
The CBN also directed that a ‘Post No Debit’ restriction be placed on all bank accounts without the BVN and NIN from March 1, 2024.
‘Post No Debit’ is a term used to describe a restriction imposed by banks on specific accounts, preventing customers from making withdrawals, transfers, or any other debits from such accounts.
This measure effectively freezes the funds in the account, rendering them inaccessible for the duration of the restriction.
Banks have hesitated to block the affected accounts and preferred to reach affected customers through short service messages and e-mails.
Osuya noted that the directive placed a burden on Nigerians in the diaspora as it mandated them to visit enrollment centres for physical biometric capture.
He revealed that those in the diaspora could not comply with the NIN registration deadline owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting travel restrictions.
“This requirement significantly burdens Nigerians, especially those residing abroad, as it mandates them to visit enrollment centres for biometric capture at NIN centres physically. As such, it presents substantial logistical and financial challenges for diasporan Nigerians.
“Compliance with the NIN registration deadline has been made exceedingly difficult due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting travel restrictions, further exacerbating the struggles of diasporan Nigerians.
“It is imperative to highlight that over 70 million accounts are at risk of being blocked if they are not linked with the NIN. Yet, there are no explicit provisions for remote linkage or alternative processes for Nigerians in the Diaspora,” he stated.
He, therefore, demanded an immediate review of the directive and called upon the CBN to introduce robust and accessible means for Nigerians outside the country who do not have NINs to link to their accounts.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers did not fulfil its promise to file a case in court against the Nigerian Communications Commission to extend the NIN linkage deadline.
The President of the association, Adeolu Ogunbanjo, gave an update in an interview on Friday and said the association rescinded its decision because many persons had filed a suit and did not want to abuse the court process.
“A lot of persons, including lawyers, filed a case on that matter that should be cancelled or extended, and we thought it best to stay down since other persons have filed and we are looking at the same result, which may lead to an abuse of the court process.
“We will still be appealing to NCC to please understand that it affects our businesses and a whole lot is going on in the country. They should not add to the current hardship. We are also extending our appeal to the National Assembly to please understand the plight of Nigerians at this moment and just extend the deadline date,” he stated.
Hon. Prof. Paul Sunday Nnamchi, representing Enugu East/Isi Uzo Federal Constituency, has declared that lawmakers would be expected to prioritize security challenges upon the National Assembly’s resumption after the Eid al-Fitr and Easter breaks.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Nnamchi emphasized the need for meaningful engagements on security, economy, and living conditions of Nigerians which had continued to dwindle.
“The insecurity situation is worsening, with farmers being chased off their lands and kidnappers becoming more brazen,” he noted. “We must strengthen our legislative oversight to address these challenges.”
Nnamchi also highlighted the struggles of Nigerians, citing skyrocketing living costs and dwindling incomes. He noted NASS was expected to focus on motions and Bills that would address the expectations of Nigerians.
Regarding his pending Bills, Nnamchi mentioned the University of Agriculture, Ako-Nike, College of Education Eha-Amufu upgrade, and School for Gifted Children, Trans-Ekulu, as likely to be concluded before the 2025 legislative break.
The lawmaker also appealed for increased remuneration for university staff, particularly lecturers, to prevent tertiary education collapse.
The Kano State government has allegedly directed each of the 44 local government areas in the state to contribute N15,227,272.72, totalling N670m to the Kano Emirate Council.
The amount is for the repairs and purchase of vehicles for the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi.
The directive, contained in a memo from the Ministry of Local Government, with reference number MLG/INSP/LGD/166T/6, dated March 25, 2025, was addressed to all the local government chairmen.
A palace official, who spoke to The PUNCH on conditiion of anonymity for lack of authorisation, confirmed the authenticity of the memo.
“The company has already been contacted, and plans are in motion to bring in the vehicles and begin the restoration of the vintage ones,” the source disclosed.
According to the memo signed by the Director of Local Government Inspection, Abubakar S. Dabo, on behalf of the Commissioner for Local Government, the approved amount would be deducted from the State/Local Government Joint Account to repair two vehicles and supply four new vehicles to the Emirate Council.
The letter, with the caption, “Conveyance of Approval for the Release of Funds,” sighted by The PUNCH read: “I am directed to convey government’s approval for the release of the aggregate sum of N670,000,000.00 at the rate of N15,227,272.72 per LGA from the State/Local Government Joint Account to repair 2 No. vehicles and supply 4 No. vehicles to the Kano Emirate Council through Sottom Snergy Resources Ltd as per below:
“Complete refurbishing of engine, body and interior of 1993 Fleetwood Cadillac limousine at N25 million and complete refurbishing and rebuilding of both engine, interior and complete body for Daimler D5 420 1998 at N25m.”
The new vehicles to be purchased are one Toyota Hilux pickup 2024 model at N98 million, one Toyota Hiace Bus at N98 million, one Toyota Land Cruiser VXR full option 2024 model at N268 million and one Prado 2024 model at N156m.”
The letter, which was also copied to the Auditor General, Local Government Audit, Kano State and all Zonal Inspectors, Ministry for Local Government, Kano State, directed them to ensure that all due procedures were strictly adhered to.
Reacting, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Alhassan Yaryasa, slammed the government for approving the money.
He said, “How can the state government approve this huge amount of money while the residents of the state capital and some other major towns in the state are grappling with water scarcity?
“This is a complete misplacement of priority. How can you spend this money on repairs and purchase of new vehicles for the Emir while other sectors need government attention, especially education and health sectors that have suffered neglect?”
Yaryasa, who was the former coordinator of Tinubu Campaign Organisation for Kano South, called on Governor Abba Yusuf to reconsider the decision and channel the funds to areas where they would be needed most.
“Emir Sanusi does not need new posh cars. Where are the ones he has been using since returning? This is a wasteful expenditure and Kano masses will not forgive them,” he said.
The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has announced a sweeping reform agenda aimed at transforming the agency into a modern, efficient, and digitally driven institution, with a key policy shift being the adoption of cashless transactions across all its offices.
Starting July 1, 2025, all post office counters in the 774 local government areas of the country will stop accepting cash payments for services.
Customers will instead be required to use approved electronic channels to complete their transactions.
Announcing the development on Monday, NIPOST’s Postmaster General and CEO, Tola Odeyemi, described the move as a major milestone in the agency’s modernisation efforts.
“This is a crucial step in our modernisation journey — one that ensures safer, faster, and more transparent service delivery,” she said.
In a statement signed by NIPOST’s Director of Corporate Communications, Franklin Alao, the agency said the reforms are in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and are designed to place NIPOST at the centre of Nigeria’s digital transformation.
“With these initiatives, NIPOST is positioning itself as a dynamic, technology-driven player — connecting Nigeria, delivering solutions, and improving lives,” the statement added.
Alao said, “These initiatives mark a new strategic direction for NIPOST under the vision titled, ‘Change of Renewed Hope Berths at NIPOST Shores”.
“The reforms are designed to align the agency with global best practices, the needs of Nigeria’s evolving digital economy, and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“At the heart of this transformation is NIPOST’s commitment to becoming a modern postal service — one that is driven by innovation, accountability, value, and service excellence.
“We are assuring Nigerians of a revitalised NIPOST that delivers superior service and embraces the future”.
NIPOST commended the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for his unwavering support and leadership.
“The organisation also commended the new Chairman of the NIPOST Board, Barr. Isaac Kekemeke for his passion and strategic foresight since his appointment, and the Postmaster General/CEO, NIPOST, Tola Odeyemi, for her relentless efforts in championing institutional reforms, improving staff welfare, and driving capacity development”, Alao said.
Also, assured that NIPOST would implement a performance-based reward and recognition system to encourage excellence, alongside strict disciplinary measures to uphold organisational integrity.
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