Sterling Bank on Thursday got more than what it bargained for after informing a customer that it does not accept the National Identification Number (NIN) issued by the Nigerian government.
There are reports that the drama played out on social media platform, Twitter.
NIN is a slip given to Nigerians after registration. It precedes the final issuance of the national identity card.
A user @akinpeluola had tweeted at the bank requesting to know why it doesn’t accept NIN for account opening.
“Please why is @Sterling_Bankng not taking NIN for opening current account?” the handler quipped.
Replying, Sterling Bank tweeted: Hello, thank you for contacting us. Please be informed that the temporary NIMC slip is not a valid means of identification.
The response drew anger of Twitter users who accused the bank of acting above the law.
Some also accused other banks of rejecting the NIN.
A few reactions as follows…@dhotkayThis needs to be addressed as most banks don’t accept this temporary slip.
Akinbinu Anthony O @o_akinbinusaid: Imagine a bank operating under the law of a land upturning the existing law of the land! This bank need a strong warning!
Victor M @OfforOra: They’ve kept my life on hold with their ignorance
@Khaleed_ng: Tell them @myfcmbis not accepting the temporary@nimc_ng card too.
@xxxcharley99 I think what Nimc needs to do is make an announcement on the withdrawal of the old national ID to pave way for banks to accept the NIN slip
The tweets eventually got the attention of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), which waded in with a stern warning to Sterling Bank.
Tweeting via its @nimc_ng, the government agency wrote: Dear@Sterling_Bankng, in your interest, note that your help desk does not have the powers to make laws for Nigeria or amend existing laws.
Recall that two weeks ago, NIMCdeclared NIN compulsory for all citizens.
The Director General, Aliyu Aziz, added that the agency has a target to register 28 million Nigerians into the NIN system by the end of 2017.
