Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, has conveyed the Federal Government’s approval of the extension of the deadline for National Identification Number -SIM data verification to March 31.
This is contained in a statement jointly signed by Director of Public Affairs, Ike Adinde, and Head of Corporate Communications of NIMC, Kayode Adegoke, on Friday in Abuja.
According to the statement, the extension will enable the federal government consolidate the gains of the process and accelerate enrolment of Nigerians in key areas like remote areas, Diaspora, schools, hospitals, worship centres and the registration of legal residents.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that stakeholders have applauded the federal government on the significant growth in the number of NIN enrolments and the increased drive to enlighten Nigerians and legal residents across the country.
“As of Dec. 30, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued over 71 million NINs, with over 14,000 enrolment centres set up across the country.
“Furthermore, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has also set up enrolment centres in over 31 countries to cater for Nigerians in the Diaspora,” the statement said.
It also said the unprecedented growth in national identity database to more than 71 million unique NINs within a short period, with about three to four SIMs linked to a NIN, reflected government’s efforts and those of Nigerians and legal residents.
“Following 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, 2022.
“This extension will enable the federal government to consolidate the gains of the process and accelerate the enrolment of Nigerians in key areas like remote areas, Diaspora, schools, hospitals, worship centres and the registration of legal residents,” it said.
The minister, however, implored Nigerians and legal residents to enroll for their NINs and link them with their SIMs during this period of extension, as more services would be requiring NIN for identification.
He also reiterated the federal government’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Communication Commission and NIMC in ensuring that the objectives of the exercise were achieved.
The statement also quoted the minister, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC, Umar Danbatta, and the Director-General/CEO of NIMC, Aliyu Aziz, as appreciating Nigerians and stakeholders for their commitment and support towards the success of the project.
While applauding the efforts of the staffers of the ministry and agencies at ensuring a seamless NIN-SIM linkage, they urged citizens and legal residents to complete the process of enrolment, verification and SIM linkage on or before March 31, 2022
NAN
OEO/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq
