Nigeria extends NIN-SIM verification to March 31, 2022 as NIN enrollments exceed 71million

*The Federal Government extends the deadline for National Identification Number -Subscriber Identity Module data verification to March 31, 2022, and urges Nigerians and legal residents to complete the process of enrollment, verification and NIN-SIM integration on or before the new date

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Federal Government has further extended the deadline for the National Identification Number (NIN)-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) data verification to March 31, 2022.

ConsumerConnect had reported that the deadline earlier slated for the ongoing NIN-SIM integration in the country is expected to expire Friday, December 31, 2021.

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Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), FBCS, FNCS, FIIM, Honourable Minister for Communications and Digital Economy, same Friday, December 31 conveyed the Federal Government’s approval for the latest extension of the deadline for the exercise.

Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director of Public Affairs at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and Mr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), in a joint statement issued Friday said the stakeholders applauded the Federal Government for the significant growth in the number of NIN enrollments, and the increased drive to enlighten Nigerians and legal residents in the country.

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The regulatory authorities stated that as of December 30, 2021, the National Identity Management Commission had issued over 71million NINs with 14,000 enrollment centres set up across Nigeria.

Dr. Adinde and Mr. Adegoke further disclosed that NIMC has set up enrollment centres in 31 countries of the world to cater for Nigerians in the Diaspora.

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According to NCC and NIMC, the unprecedented growth in the National Identity Database to over 71 million unique NINs in such a short period, with about three to four SIMs linked to a NIN, reflects the concerted effort of the Federal Government, the Nigerian populace and legal residents.

“This is truly commendable,” said the regulators.

Some NIN enrollment centres in Nigeria

They also noted that in view of the request by stakeholders, including citizens, legal residents and Nigerians in the Diaspora, the Federal Government has extended the deadline of the exercise to March 31 next year.

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“This extension would enable the Federal Government to consolidate the gains of the process and accelerate the enrolment of Nigerians in key areas like the remote areas, diaspora, schools, hospitals, worship centres, and the registration of legal residents,” the government stated.

Meanwhile, Prof. Pantami has implored Nigerians and legal residents to enrol for their NINs and link same with their SIMs during this period of extension as more services will be requiring the NINs for identification, going forward.

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The Minister, said the statement, also reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to supporting the Nigerian Communications Commission and National Identity Management Commission in ensuring that the objectives of the exercise are achieved for the country.

“The Honourable Minister, the Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, and the Director-General/CEO of NIMC, Engr. Aliyu A. Aziz, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, wish to thank all Nigerians and stakeholders for their commitment and support towards the success of the project,” said Adinde and Adegoke.

Pantami and the CEOs of agencies under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy also commended the efforts of the respective staff for ensuring a seamless NIN-SIM linkage.

They urged the Nigerians and legal residents in the country to complete the process of enrollment, verification and NIN-SIM integration on or before March 31, 2022.