BVN registration hits 20m with 47 days to go

Telcos unveil code to access number 

There were indications that the Biometric Verification Number (BVN) project has recorded a 20-million mark, with about 47 days left to the second deadline of October 31.

Besides, three of the four major telecommunications giant- Etisalat, Airtel and MTN Nigeria have indicated interest to collaborate with the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), even as they unveiled a new code to access BVN status by registrants that are yet to get their number or have forgotten it.

The Managing Director of NIBSS, Ade Shonubi, said the unveiling of the new code- *565*0#, was in keeping with the promise that NIBSS would be taking more responsibility in the project, as well evolve new ways of ameliorating associated challenges, particularly on complaints over delay in accessing the number after registration.

Already, Etisalat has launched its own platform with NIBSS to enable those who registered with its numbers to access their BVN by dialling the code, while Airtel said all is set to go live on the platform by Wednesday.

Shonubi, while updating journalists on the scheme’s developments at the weekend, said the process is keeping the momentum locally and some places internationally (Diaspora), but warned that the second deadline might still catch with some people, as there may not be another extension.

According to him, the registration is now live in Dubai, United Kingdom, United States, while talks are ongoing to enlist another company that has business relationship with Nigerian embassy to begin the process in Canada.

While admitting that there is need for increased awareness, he explained that already, there is a dedicated BVN website, where Nigerians in Diaspora can get updated information.

The Senior Marketing Manager of Airtel, Adefolake Ogunbajo, assured that his company would launch into the NIBSS platform on Wednesday, to enable its customers who registered on the scheme with Airtel numbers to enjoy the service offering.

Also, the Chief Marketing Officer of Etisalat, Francesco Anjelone, said its launch into the NIBSS platform, would not be the end, but the beginning of series of services that relates to the whole BVN scheme. “We really believe that going this way, with innovation is what telecommunications companies seriously need to do.

The integration with the banking industry is a pillar for development. Despite competition among the telecommunications industry, the move will be beneficial to get the critical mass through the initiative,” he said.

However, Shonubi added that the service would only cost N10 per dial with the code to access the BVN number, hence, he advised that instead of dialling the code each time one needs the number, it is best to save the BVN number immediately one receives it.