Nigerian Government Extends NIN Registration Deadline For SIM Cards Till Next Year

Nigerian Government has extended the deadline for incorporating National Identification Number (NIN) with their SIM cards registration records till next year.

KanyiDaily recalls that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had threatened to block all SIM cards not linked to NIN by December 30, 2020.

On Monday, Nigerians took to social media to condemn the large crowd that gathered at the NIMC offices in a bid to register and obtain their NIN despite the covid-19 resurgence which has been on the increase in the last one week.

Following the outrage, the NCC extended the NIN registration deadline to 19th January and 9th February, 2021 respectively, according to a statement on Monday by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

The statement titled, ‘Extension of Registration Period and Cancellation of USSD and Verification Fees’, was jointly signed by the Executive Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, Umar Danbatta; and Director-General, National Identity Management Commission, Aliyu Aziz.

It read, “The National Task Force on National Identification Number and SIM Registration met today, 21st December, 2020.

“The meeting was chaired by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami with major stakeholders in the sector including Chairman – NCC, EVC-NCC, DG-NITDA, DG-NIMC, ECTS/ECSM-NCC, Chairman ALTON, CEOs of MTN, Airtel, Ntel, Glo, Smile, and 9Moble in attendance.

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

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

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

3. 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.

4. The President appreciates Nigerians for their patience and commitment to update their Identities; The Federal Government also thanks all stakeholders for their compliance with the directives.

5. Mr. President has also commended the efforts of the Task Force and urges all stakeholders to take advantage of the extension to link their SIM card with their NIN.

6. USSD and verification charges remain suspended during these extensions.”

Meanwhile, SERAP has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to stop the ‘forced’ registration of NIN, and withdraw the threat to block SIM cards.