The Federal Government (FG) has once again extended the deadline for the National Identity Number (NIN)-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) data verification to October 31, 2021.
DigitalTimesNG understands that the decision of the Government to extend the deadline was made following a request by stakeholders to accommodate registration in hard-to-reach remote areas, foreigners, diplomatic missions, and the diaspora as well as address low enrolments in schools and hospitals, as evidenced by enrolment statistics.
The decision also followed a review of the progress of the exercise which indicated significant progress, hence the need to consolidate the gains of the enrolment and NIN-SIM verification process across the country.
The extension of the deadline was contained in a statement signed by Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director of Public Affairs at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Mr. Kayode Adegoke. Head, Corporate Communications, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and made available to newsmen on Sunday.
The statement disclosed that as of July 24, 2021, there are over 5,500 enrolment systems within and outside the country. This would significantly ease the NIN enrollment process and subsequent linkage of NIN to SIM.
“The administration of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, has approved the extension as part of efforts to make it easier for its citizens within and outside the country, and legal residents to obtain the NIN and it is important to take advantage of the extension.
“The NIN-SIM linkage also makes it easier for the security agencies to carry out their statutory duties and the relevant parastatals under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy are supporting them as required,” the statement read in part.
DigitalTimesNG further understands that there are now a total of 59.8 million unique NIN enrolments, with an average of 3 to 4 SIMs per NIN.
“With the great number of enrolment centres within and outside the country, and many more coming up, every citizen, legal resident, and Nigerian citizens living in the diaspora should be able to obtain their NINs,” the statement added.
The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, on behalf of the Federal Government, commended the Kano State government and other States that have made NIN a key requirement for school enrollment and access to other important services.
The Federal Government also expressed excitement at the news that the use of NIN in the process of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam significantly reduced the challenge of exam malpractice.
On behalf of the Federal Government, the minister appreciates Nigerians for their patience and compliance with the Federal Government’s directive on the NIN-SIM registration exercise.
In a similar vein, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, and the Director-General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Aliyu Azeez urged citizens and legal residents to make sure they use the opportunity to complete the process of enrolment and verification before the October 31 deadline.
