JUST IN: FG Extends NIN–SIM Verification Deadline To March 2022

FG has extended the NIN/SIM verification till March 2022.

The deadline for linking Subscribers Identity Module (SIM) cards to National Identity Numbers (NIN) has been extended by the Federal Government until March 31, 2022.

In a joint statement, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ibrahim Pantami, and the Director of Public Affairs of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, and the Head of Corporate Communications of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Mr Kayode Adegoke, conveyed the approval of the Federal Government.

According to the government, the national database had 71 million citizens as of December 30.

“As of 30th December 2021, the NIMC has issued over 71 million NINs with over 14,000 enrolment centers set up across the country,” the statement reads in part.

“In addition, the NIMC has established enrolment centers in over 31 countries to serve Nigerians living abroad.”

“The unprecedented growth of the National Identity Database to over 71 million unique NINs in such a short period, with approximately three to four SIMs linked to a NIN, reflects the concerted effort of the Federal Government, the Nigerian populace, and legal residents, and is truly commendable.”

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“The Federal Government has extended the deadline of the exercise to the 31st of March, 2022, in response to a request from stakeholders, including citizens, legal residents, and Nigerians in the diaspora.”

“With this extension, the Federal Government will be able to consolidate the process’ gains and speed up enrolment of Nigerians in key areas such as remote areas, diaspora, schools, hospitals, worship centers, and legal resident registration.”

“However, the Honourable Minister has urged Nigerians and legal residents to enroll for NINs and link them to their SIMs while the extension is in effect, as more services will require the NIN for identification.”

“He also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working with the NCC and the NIMC to ensure that the exercise’s goals are met.”