Volume 10, Issue 7, July – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25jul924

Effect of Broadcast Media in Mobilising the

People for Enrolment of National Identification
Number (NIN)
Yisa Idris Oloruntoyin1; Olufadi Balarabe Ayuba2; Muhammed Sukurat3
1,2,3
Department of Journalism and Media Studies
Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin

Publication Date: 2025/07/25

Abstract: This study explores the effect of broadcast media on mobilising Nigerians for the enrolling into the National
Identification Number (NIN) scheme. Broadcast media were used to spread information, raise awareness, and sway public
opinion in light of the Federal Government's mandate for mandatory NIN registration, utilising as a theoretical framework,
the agenda-setting and social responsibility theories. The results showed that while television and radio were important in
raising awareness, their efficacy was hampered by misinformation, inadequate network coverage, and restricted access to
broadcast content in rural areas. To increase public participation in NIN enrolment, the study suggests better media
planning, focused communication tactics, and community-based programming.

Keywords: Broadcast Media, National Identification Number, Mobilisation, Public Awareness, Media Campaign.

How to Cite: Yisa Idris Oloruntoyin; Olufadi Balarabe Ayuba; Muhammed Sukurat (2025) Effect of Broadcast Media in Mobilising
the People for Enrolment of National Identification Number (NIN). International Journal of Innovative Science and Research
Technology, 10(7), 1925-1928. https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25jul924

I. INTRODUCTION The exercise involves identifying the people linked to

SIM cards, confirming the information obtained, and
By raising awareness, outlining its goals, and dispelling connecting the SIM and NIN. Mobile network user data must
any potential misunderstandings, broadcast media can have a typically be verified and validated, and in the majority of
big impact on how effective a National Identification Number nations, this is accomplished by comparing it to a national
(NIN) system is (Asemah, 2011). On the other hand, by identity database. In the absence of such validation, it is often
facilitating targeted information campaigns and possibly difficult to know whether the information supplied by people
boosting public confidence in media messaging, the NIN is genuine or fabricated.
system can expand the impact and reach of broadcast media
(Oso, 2012). As correctly noted by Daramola (2001:104), However, for such validation and verification to occur,
radio serves as a communication medium that helps to close a national identity document and an authentication method
the gap between the governed and the government. It is a two- must be available. White, Ben (2011). The point of sale or the
way conversation that uses thrilling music and human voices point of activation are two possible locations for this type of
to foster connection. validation. White, Ben (2011).

It is impossible to overstate or understate the role that However, the National Identity Management
broadcast media play in encouraging individuals to enrol in Commission (NIMC)-led radio campaign on the expansion of
NIN. As a result, all mobile phone subscribers must register the Nigerian national identity database offers a fantastic
for the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM). To access both opportunity for such verification and validation exercises as
voice and data network services, subscribers need to register SIM card registration. The SIM registration database
their SIM cards with the appropriate Mobile Network currently has a far larger size than the NIMC database does.
Operator (MNO). Olisha Chike (2020.). Nigeria complied Licksley (2020).
with international best practices by requiring the acquisition
of identity information through a Capture and Validate (C & Because of how individuals feel about the government's
V) Mobile SIM registration and Know Your Customer (KYC) need to link SIM cards to NINs, a policy requiring that each
process in light of the vulnerability and security risk posed by SIM registration be linked to a NIN can greatly speed up the
unidentified network users (Ndukwe, 2016). expansion of the NIMC database as the database of mobile

IJISRT25JUL924 www.ijisrt.com 1925

Volume 10, Issue 7, July – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25jul924

phone network users continues to develop. government urges all parties involved to assist in its execution
(Chike Olisha, 2020).
Locksley (2020), In addition to boosting and enhancing
national security, requiring the use of people's NIN for SIM As correctly noted by Daramola (2001:104), radio
card registration will speed up economic planning and serves as a communication medium that helps to close the gap
growth. By encouraging digital inclusion and speeding up the between the governed and the government. It is a two-way
expansion of the national identification database through conversation that uses thrilling music and human voices to
higher enrolment from the expanding mobile phone network foster connection.
subscribers, it will help strengthen the digital economy.
Okon and Ubong (2015) listed the effects of broadcast
Unregistered or incorrectly registered subscriber media on the National Identification Number system in a
identity module (SIM) cards have been a persistent problem research published on Researchgate:
that has jeopardised national security and reduced the  Public Knowledge and Awareness: Radio and television
effectiveness of Nigerian security forces. Upon taking office, are two examples of broadcast media that can be quite
the Honourable Minister of Communication and Digital helpful in educating the public about the NIN system, its
Economy would carry out an audit on SIM card registration advantages, and registration procedures.
in the nation as a member of the Nigeria Communication  Resolving False Information: Broadcast media can
Commission (NCC). Olisha Chike (2020). contribute to fostering public trust in the NIN system and
preventing its abuse by dispelling false information and
9.4 million SIM cards were found to be wrongly offering correct facts.
registered after the Federal Government instructed NCC to  Encouraging Participation: Focused media efforts can
conduct an audit exercise to identify unregistered and motivate people to sign up for NIN and take part in
incorrectly registered SIMs. Given the potential impact of relevant government programs.
improperly registered and unregistered SIM cards on national  Facilitating Access : The NIN system can be made more
security, a directive was issued to update the SIM card widely available to all facets of society by using broadcast
registration by 11:59 p.m. on September 25, 2019. Olisha media to spread information regarding registration places,
Chike (2020) NCC then fixed the remaining problems and deadlines, and processes.
made sure that only people who had registered correctly were  Improving Accountability: By holding government
eventually reinstated. organisations responsible for the administration and
execution of the NIN system, the media can guarantee
The necessity of a safe and secure environment on our efficiency and transparency.
mobile network cannot be overstated in order to guarantee the  Targeted Information Campaigns: Broadcast media may
expansion of the mobile ecosystem. A secure mobile network run more efficient and focused information campaigns
requires the capacity to anticipate and identify the true thanks to the NIN system. The media can modify
identity of the mobile device. When the SIM card user's messaging to appeal to certain audiences by identifying
registered credentials are compared to the National Identity particular demographic groupings or geographic areas.
database (NIDB), using the National Identity Number (NIN)
 Increased Public Trust: The public's faith in the
provided by the National Identity Management Commission government and media can be strengthened by a
(NIMC), the identity of the mobile users can be ascertained. transparent and well-executed NIN system. People are
more inclined to believe the information spread by the
Additionally, as the SIM card registration database is
media when they have faith in the system.
one of the biggest databases containing Nigeria's digital
 Increased Program Efficiency: Media companies can
identity, including biometrics and other vital information on
better cater their programming to the tastes and
its residents, requiring the use of NIN for SIM card
requirements of particular communities by using NIN-
registration will hasten the expansion of the national
based data.
identification database. Nigeria would be able to make
enormous progress in enhancing national planning, resolving  Greater Audience Engagement: The NIN system can
security issues, and increasing GDP as a result. Olisha Chike assist broadcast media in boosting audience participation
(2020). and engagement by offering pertinent and tailored
information.
Economic planning and development will go more
Support for Development Initiatives: The NIN system
quickly as a result of the broadcast media campaign's
can help carry out a number of development projects, like
substantial influence on the nation's digital identity.
Additionally, it will encourage digital financial services, public health campaigns and social welfare programs, that
depend on precise and reliable data.
digital inclusion, and other value-added services throughout
the country. Additionally, Nigerian security services will
benefit from increased efficacy in combating cybercrime, The NIN system and broadcast media essentially have a
especially in the areas of digital forensics, crime tracking, and symbiotic connection. The NIN system can increase the
identification. This policy establishes a framework for efficacy and reach of broadcast media, and broadcast media
can be a potent weapon for promoting the NIN. Together,
supporting the growth and security of Nigeria's mobile
ecosystem through the NIN. However, the federal

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Volume 10, Issue 7, July – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25jul924

these two forces can support social inclusion, good By focussing on certain issues and ignoring others, the
governance, and national prosperity. mass media will influence public opinion, according to
Brouius and Weiman (2002), who also note that "even though
 SIM Card Registration the media may not be very successful in telling us what
In their efforts to improve security, governments have opinion to hold; they are often quite effective I what to have
recognised that registering a SIM card can open up new opinion or that not to think about." People have a tendency to
experiences for customers by giving them access to value- be aware of the topics covered by the media and to follow the
added mobile operators. They also recognise the loyalty that hierarchy of importance given to various subjects.
can be gained from their registered customers through Know
Your Customer (KYC) programs. The agenda-setting theory, as cited by Akaji and Dada
(2012), also explains that the media structure is what matters
In many countries, prepaid SIM card registration is and that there is a direct positive relationship between media
mandatory for obtaining mobile network service. To activate coverage and the public's silence on a topic. This relationship
their SIM card and access network services, such as voice and is stated in a casual way by transferring status on an issue.
data services, network subscribers usually have to provide
proof of identity, personal information, and in some cases,  Social Responsibility Theory
biometric information. Essentially, government 12 enforces According to the social responsibility idea, the press has
these registration regulations to reduce security risks and duties, obligations, and responsibilities that it owes to society.
prevent negative activities like identity theft and online fraud. As a result, society would grow while the press is free to carry
out its mandate. The social responsibility thesis, which was
II. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK developed by Peterson, Sibert, and Schramm in 1956, is an
extension of libertarian philosophy in that it acknowledges
 Agenda Setting Theory the press's obligation to fulfil society's fundamental duties
The ability of the mass media to shift the importance of (Hasan, 2013, p.170).
topics on their news agenda to the public agenda is one of its
powers or effects, according to the agenda setting theory According to Asemah (2011, p.146), the social
developed by McComb and Donald Shaw in 1972. We value responsibility theory emerged largely as a result of the
what the media deems significant; media coverage of issues liberitian theory of the press's shortcomings and misuse. In
gives them weight and influences the audience to prioritise his opinion. The theory came forth as a result of the press
some issues over others. As a result, the conference affects abusing the freedom that came with having a free press.
the audience's opinions or choices regarding the agenda item. Sensationalism, invasions of privacy, character assassination,
and other detrimental practices by the press fell short of the
The media's agenda-setting suggests that people look up idealistic libertarian objectives. In the 20th century, as the
to them for clues about important problems and expect the press expanded, it turned into an object of critique. The
media to help them ascertain reality and shape standards. Hutchins commission was established in 1947 to investigate
Certain subjects are frequently selected and emphasised by the complaints made concerning the detrimental activities of
the media, which leads the people to do the same. According the press as a result of press freedom. It is obvious that
to MC Quail (2003), the media aids in establishing a freedom and accountability go hand in hand, and that the
hierarchy of priorities about the issues and goals of society. press has to be reminded of its duties on a regular basis. The
difficulties in enrolling for the National Identification
Burns, (2007) also argues that the critics of newspaper Number (NIN) were described by Terfa and Terkuma (2023).
and broadcasting see their power lying in control the agenda,
in their ability to select certain issues for discussion and to Enrolment difficulties with a National Identification
ignore others called non-existence and inability to treat Number;
certain conflicts of interests as manifesting proper materials  Limited accessibility in certain remote areas because of
and others as too complex of maginal or unmanageable. inadequate infrastructure
 Language Barriers in the event that local languages are not
Through what Burns calls “news tasting” the process of used to translate messages.
selecting what should count as news and what should not, the  Problems with the power supply that limit media access
media also help the public to crave that which they already  The public's mistrust of government communications
set as silence. could make them less successful.
"The public does not only learn about public issues or III. CONCLUSION
topics from the emphasis the mass media placed upon them,"
according to QuailandWindhl (2003), referencing McCombs According to the study's findings, broadcast media is
and Shaw. The fundamental tenet is that, over time, people essential to raising public knowledge of and involvement in
who receive more media attention will become more familiar Nigeria's National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment
and important to the public, while those who receive less will process. Due to their widespread acceptance and reach,
become less so. particularly in rural and semi-urban regions, radio and
television have been successful in spreading important
information regarding the significance, steps, and due dates

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Volume 10, Issue 7, July – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25jul924

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