By Dwelleth Morountodun
The Federal Government through the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Ibrahim Pantami, has acknowledged the approval of the extension of the deadline for the National Identification Number (NIN)-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) data verification from today Friday 31st to 31st March, 2022.
Pantami, stated that as at yesterday (Thursday 30) December the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued over 71 million NINs with over 14,000 enrolment centres set up across the country.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and NIMC, in a joint statement signed by Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde and Mr. Kayode Adegoke, on Friday, said stakeholders have applauded the government on the significant growth in the number of NIN enrolments and the increased drive to enlighten Nigerians and legal residents across the country on the importance of the verification.
The statement further, added that NIMC has also set up enrolment centres in over 31 countries to cater for Nigerians in the Diaspora.
The unprecedented growth in the National Identity Database to over 71 million unique NINs in such a short period, with about 3 to 4 SIMs linked to a NIN, reflects the concerted effort of the federal government, the Nigerian populace and legal residents and this is truly commendable.
The statement said: “Following the request by stakeholders, including citizens, legal residents and Nigerians in the diaspora, the Federal Government has extended the deadline of the exercise to the 31st of March, 2022.
“This extension would enable the Federal Government to consolidate the gains of the process and accelerate the enrolment of Nigerians in key areas like the remote areas, diaspora, schools, hospitals, worship centres, and the registration of legal residents.
According to them, the Minister has however implored Nigerians and legal residents to enroll for their NINs and link with their SIMs during this period of extension as more services will be requiring the NIN for identification.
He also reiterated the commitment of the federal government to support the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in ensuring that the objectives of the exercise are achieved.
“The Minister, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, and the Director-General/CEO of NIMC, Engr. Aliyu Aziz, on behalf of the federal government of Nigeria, wish to thank all Nigerians and stakeholders for their commitment and support towards the success of the project.
“They also applaud the efforts of the respective staff in ensuring a seamless NIN-SIM linkage and urge citizens and legal residents to complete the process of enrolment, verification, and SIM linkage on or before 31st March 2022.” The statement added.
