Fear and frustration in Nigeria as millions at risk of phone suspension

Applicants queueing to obtain national identity numbers at the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) office, in the Lagos state capital of Ikeja. — AFP

ABUJA: “If I don’t have my phone, I don’t make money,” said Raphael Ajih, resting on a rusty metal chair, his hands clenched on his lap.

The government of Africa’s most populous country has ordered telecom operators to block the SIM cards of anyone who fails to register for a National Identity Number (NIN) by Feb 9.