The Federal Government has today approved the extension of the deadline for NIN-SIM data verification to July 26, 2021. 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.
As at June 28, 2021, a total of 5,410 enrolment systems have been made available across the country and this would significantly ease the NIN enrolment process and subsequent linkage of NIN to SIM. As at December 2020, only about 800 such enrolment systems were available to enrolees.
A statement jointly signed by the Director, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the nation’s telecom regulator, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, and the Director, Nigeria Identity Management Commission (NIMC) executor of the NIN project, Mr. Kayode Adegoke, explained that the 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, 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.,” the statement concluded.
Dr. Pantami had earlier reiterated the need for Nigerians and legal residents, who are yet to register for the NIN, to be diligent and take advantage of the extension to enrol for their NIN and link with their SIMs. It would be recalled that February 4, 2020 was the initial date of the commencement of the National NIN-SIM Registration Policy.
It is noteworthy that Sections 27 and 29 of the NIMC Act 2007 provides for the mandatory use of NIN for transactions, including application and issuance of a passport, opening of personal bank accounts, purchase of insurance policies, voter registration, obtaining credit, among others.
