Nigerians that shop on Amazon now have to provide National Identification Number (NIN) before their purchases can be completed and shipped into the country.
According to the e-commerce site, the new regulation is based on Nigeria’s Customs regulations which require ID number before packages can be shipped to a particular address.
FG pushing for Adoption of NIN
This is not the first time that the Federal government has enforced the use of NIN. In December 2020, the country’s telecoms regulatory body announced that all phone numbers must be connected to a personal NIN.
Similarly, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) recently commenced the introduction of a compulsory provision of the National Identification Number (NIN) by applicants of the National Driver’s License (NDL) and all categories of Vehicle registration. The new regulation takes effect from the second quarter of 2021.
Looking at the recent string of regulations enforcing the use of NIN across government agencies. It is obvious that the government is seriously pushing for every Nigerian to have a NIN.
Amazon’s new ID requirement.
The new ID requirement means that Amazon now has access to information on the ID number provided. Amazon explained that the NIN requirement allows packages to clear customs without additional delay.
It added that it only stores the information in order to securely transmit it to the carrier of your package and share it with customs officials in the destination country.
In terms of privacy protections, Amazon revealed that ID information will also be permanently deleted from Amazon’s database as soon as possible, but it can take up to 30 days.
It also explained that ID information for a delivery address can be changed or deleted in the “Your Addresses, Edit Address” section on the website. Amazon also pointed out that even if the person forgets to remove their ID, it will be automatically deleted from the owner’s account and Amazon’s systems after a 90-day period.
Summary
Apart from the NIN, Amazon also accepts passport numbers but considering that not many people have passports and the huge cost of obtaining one, NIN would be the go-to for many shoppers.
Also based on the explanation provided, this new regulation could mean that all foreign purchases from other e-commerce stores like Alibaba will also need NIN or a valid ID to clear customs.
