By Mbafan Ade (ABUJA) –
The Nigeria Government announced today the extension of the deadline for NIN-SIM data verification to July 26, 2021.
According to a joint statement in Abuja by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the decision to extend the deadline was made after a request by stakeholders on the need to consolidate the enrolment and NIN-SIM verification process following the rapid increase in the number of enrolment systems across the country.
It was signed by NCC, Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde and the Head, Corporate Communications of the NIMC, Mr Kayode Adegoke.
It also said that as at June 28, 2021, a total of 5,410 enrolment systems are now available across the country and this would significantly ease the NIN enrolment process and subsequent linkage of NIN to SIM.
There were only about 800 such enrolment systems as at December 2020.
The statement further said: “Federal Government has approved the extension as part of its effort to make it easier for its citizens and residents to obtain the NIN and it is important to take advantage of the extension.
“There are now a total of 57.3 million unique NIN enrolments, with average of 3 to 4 SIMs per NIN. With the great number of enrolment centres across the country, every citizen and legal resident should be able to obtain their NINs.
“The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, FNCS, FBCS, FIIM, on behalf of the Federal Government, appreciates Nigerians for their patience and compliance with the Federal Government’s directive on the NIN-SIM registration exercise.
“The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof Umar Garba Dambatta, and the Director-General/CEO of that National Identity Management Commission, Engr Aliyu Azeez, urge citizens and legal residents to make sure they use the opportunity to complete the process of enrolment and verification.”