FG extends SIM linkage deadline to June 30

The extension was one of the decisions taken in a virtual meeting chaired by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami and attended by following officials- Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof Adeolu Akande, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC, Prof Umar Garba Dambatta and the Director-General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr Aliyu Azeez.

A joint statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs at Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde and the Head, Corporate Communications, National Identity Management Commission, Mr Kayode Adegoke, indicates that the postponement of the deadline was also based on the request by stakeholders for an extension till 30th of June in order to make it easier for all citizens and legal residents to register.

“For example, almost 54 Million people have obtained their NIN and this can translate to up to 190 Million mobile numbers, since empirical evidence suggests that each unique NIN maps to 3 to 4 phone lines.

This shows the database increased by 3 million enrolments in one month compared to the 51 million reported in April 2021.

See also “Feel free to Report me to Rome” – Mbaka.

Furthermore, the telecom providers and other enrolment agents have also opened several centres across the country to make it easier for eligible citizens and residents to obtain and link their NINs.