The Federal Government has approved the extension of the deadline for NIN-SIM data verification to the 30th of June, 2021.
The extension was as a result of the virtual meeting chaired by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, and attended by critical stakeholders in the telecommunications industry.
A statement on Tuesday jointly issued by Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC) and Mr Kayode Adegoke, Head, Corporate Communications, National Identity Management Commission(NIMC), explained that the postponement of the deadline was also based on the request by stakeholders for an extension till 30th of June in order to make it easier for all citizens and legal residents to register.
It said significant progress has been made in the NIN-SIM verification process, as almost 54 million people have obtained their NIN and this can translate to up to 190 Million mobile numbers, since empirical evidence suggests that each unique NIN maps to 3 to 4 phone lines.
It disclosed that the Android enrolment system is now ready for deployment and this has the potential to significantly accelerate the speed and ease of enrolments.
It added:”Furthermore, the telecom providers and other enrolment agents have also opened several centres across the country to make it easier for eligible citizens and residents to obtain and link their NINs.
“It is noteworthy that Sections 27 and 29 of the National Identity Management Commission Act 2007 provide for the mandatory use of National Identity Number for accessing several government services.
“This is similar to the use of Social Security Number and National Insurance Number for accessing services in the United States of America and the United Kingdom respectively.
“The Federal Government has approved the extension as part of its efforts to make it easier for its citizens and residents to obtain the NIN and it is important to take advantage of the extension,” the statement said.
The statement quoted Pantami to have expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their patience and compliance with the Federal Government’s directive on the NIN-SIM registration exercise.
The minister reiterated government’s commitment to continually taking decisions aimed at easing the pains of the citizens with regard to issues related to NIN and SIM registration.
