Deadline for the ongoing National Identification Number (NIN) and Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) integration exercise has been extended by eight weeks. The new deadline is now April 6, 2021.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, stated this during the meeting of the Ministerial Taskforce on NIN-SIM registration which was held on Monday, February 1, 2021, in Abuja.
The minister stated that the extension is to give Nigerians and legal residents more time to integrate their NIN with their SIM. “The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) applauds all Nigerians and persons of other nationalities for their understanding, cooperation and for enthusiastically participating in the exercise.”
He task Nigerians and legal residents who are yet to register to take advantage of the extension to enroll for their NIN and link with their SIMs; while commending efforts of NIMC, NCC, MNOs and other relevant government and private sector organizations for their support towards the success of the exercise.
“President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his satisfaction with the progress made regarding the NIN-SIM linkage and commended all stakeholders for their roles. He encouraged citizens to take advantage of the extension to fully participate in the process,” he said.
He however, implores applicants to follow all safety guidelines at the NIN enrolment centers and ensure compliance with the booking system in place. “This protocol is in line with the Executive Order on COVID-19 2020 signed by President Muhammadu Buhari on January 27,
2021, in keeping with provisions of the Quarantine Act, 2004.”
Sections 27 and 29 of the National Identity Management Commission Act 2007 provides for the mandatory use of National Identity Number for transactions, including application and issuance of a passport, opening of personal bank accounts, purchase of insurance policies, voter registration and obtaining credit, among others.
The meeting was chaired by the minister and attended by key stakeholders including the EVC Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), DG National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), DG National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON).
Others include the MD/CEOs of MTN, Airtel, 9Mobile, Ntel, Spectranet and SMILE, as well as the COO of Globacom.
