FG extends deadline for NIN/SIM card linking

Isa Ali Pantami

‌Following large crowds that gathered on Monday at the Lagos office of the National Identity Management Commission, the Federal Government has extended the deadline for the provision of National Identification Number by telecommunication service subscribers.

This was contained in a statement on Monday by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

The statement was jointly signed by the executive vice-chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, Umar Danbatta; and NIMC Director-General Aliyu Aziz.

According to the statement, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Isa Pantami chaired a meeting with stakeholders in the telecoms industry.

The statement read: “Based on the endorsement of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the following resolutions were made:

“Three (3) weeks extension for subscribers with NIN from 30th December, 2020 to 19th January, 2021; and

“Six (6) weeks extension for subscribers without NIN from 30th December, 2020 to 9th February, 2021.”

‌The statement further stated, “NIMC has provided strategies to enable citizens attend the registration in full compliance with Covid-19 protocols – particularly the use of facemasks which remains mandatory and maintenance of social distancing.”

The NCC had last week ordered telecommunications companies to within two weeks suspend phone subscribers who have no NIN.