Government commends Nigerians on response to NIN─SIM linkage exercise

*The Federal Government has appreciated all stakeholders and citizens for their commitment to the NIN─SIM exercise, and urged them to submit NINs before February 9 deadline

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

In appreciation of the considerable response to the ongoing registration for the National Identification Numbers (NINs) and linkage of same with their Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs), the Federal Government has commended all stakeholders and citizens for their commitment to the exercise, and urged them to submit their NINs before February 9, 2021, deadline.

Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director of Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in a statement Tuesday, January 19 said at the end of a review meeting January 18, 2021, the Technical Implementation Committee under the Ministerial Task Force reported significant progress in the ongoing NIN-SIM linkage exercise.

Adinde stated thus far, a total of 47.8 million NINs had been collected by the mobile network operators in the country.

At an average of three to four SIMs per subscriber, this means many millions will be linked up before the deadline in February this year, said the NCC Director of Public Affairs.

Dr. Ali Isa Pantami, Honourable Minister for Communications and Digital Economy, while reacting to the report, expressed satisfaction with this commendable achievement in this regard.

The Minister acknowledged the Federal Government’s appreciation for the commitment demonstrated by all stakeholders and citizens while encouraging them to submit their NINs before February 9 deadline.

Pantami also urged the technical team to fast-track the processes so that the project is delivered soonest.

Likewise, the Technical Committee drew attention to the App developed by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) which allows subscribers to link up to a maximum of seven SIMs to their NIN.

The Minister reminded Nigerians to protect their NINs as he urged subscribers to desist from selling their NINs, or allowing others to use their NINs for registration.

“For any action committed with the SIM, good or bad, it will be officially traced and attached to the NIN owner,” stated Pantami.