Communication

FG Extends Deadline for Linking NIN to SIM Cards

By Obiajulu Joel Nwolu

December 22, 2020

The Federal Government has extended the deadline for the provision of National Identification Number (NIN) by telecommunication service subscribers as part of SIM registration to February 9, 2021.

This was contained in a statement released on Monday jointly signed by the Executive Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, Umar Danbatta; and Director-General, National Identity Management Commission, Aliyu Aziz.

According to the statement titled, “Extension of Registration Period and Cancellation of USSD and Verification Fees,” three weeks have been added for subscribers already with NIN while six weeks have been added for those without NIN.

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

“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 latest development will serve as a relief for subscribers as telecom service providers had earlier been instructed by the FG to block SIM cards not linked to NIN by December 30, 2020.