The federal government has approved the extension of the deadline for NIN-SIM data verification to October 31, 2021.
The decision to extend the deadline was made following a request by stakeholders to accommodate registration in hard-to-reach remote areas, foreigners and diplomatic missions, diaspora and address low enrolments in schools and hospitals, as evidenced by enrolment statistics.
It 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.
As at July 24th, 2021, there are over 5,500 enrolment systems within and outside the country and this would significantly ease the NIN enrolment process and subsequent linkage of NIN to SIM.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by director, public affairs Nigerian Communications Commission Dr Ikechukwu Adinde and head corporate communications Nigeria Identity Management Commission Mr Kayode Adegoke.
Mr Kayode Adegoke said, “Administration of 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.
“There are now a total of 59.8 million unique NIN enrolments, with average of three to four SIMs per NIN. With the great number of enrolment centers within and outside the country, and many more coming up, every citizen, legal resident, and Nigerian citizens living in diaspora should be able to obtain their NINs.”
The minister of Communications and Digital Economy, 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 enrolments and access to other important services.
“The federal government is also excited 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,” the statement said.
Similarly, the executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof Umar Garba Dambatta, and the director-general of that National Identity Management Commission, 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 31st deadline.
