No Deadline Extension For NIN/SIM Linkage – NCC

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says the deadline for the integration of Subscriber Identification Modules (SIM) with valid National Identity Numbers (NIN) has not been extended.
Speaking with The Punch on Wednesday, Director, Public Affairs, NCC, Ikechukwu Adinde, said the commission has not received any information concerning extending the exercise from the federal government.

Adinde, however, noted that the calls for a deadline extension of the exercise would be looked into by the government.

He said, “Right now, apart from the recent information that we made concerning the extension, no further update yet.

“The information on this matter was the one that talked about when we moved the extension to January 19 for those who have NINs and February 9 for those who do not have.”

Reacting to call for the extension or suspension of the exercise, Adinde said, “No, no, no; if you follow the opinion of the public, it is in favour of extending it.

“And then, of course, recently there have been concerns on the effect of COVID-19 and all that. But I am sure the government is listening and once we are advised, we will go to the press and announce the new position.

“However, as it is now, we are waiting to see what happens at the end of the day, as the recent deadline extension still stands.”

Press Inormant reports that the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, had said after December 30, 2020, all SIMs that were not registered with valid NINs on the network of telecommunications companies would be blocked.

It later extended the December 30, 2020 deadline following widespread opposition against the earlier announcement and gave three weeks’ extension for subscribers with NIN from December 30, 2020 to January 19, 2021.

It also gave six week-extension for subscribers without NIN from December 30, 2020 to February 9, 2021.