The Federal Government has extended the deadline for the provision of National Identification Number by telecommunication service subscribers.
This was announced on Monday, December 21, 2020 following a deliberation by the National Task Force put together by the 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 (NIN) and SIM Registration met today, 21st December, 2020.
"The meeting was chaired by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim (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.
The meeting however came up with the following resolutions, “Three (3) weeks extension for subscribers with NIN from 30th December, 2020 to 19th January, 2021.
“Six (6) weeks extension for subscribers without NIN from 30th December, 2020 to 9th February, 2021.
“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 statement further stated “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.
“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.
