NIN registration, linkage to SIM extended to January

The Federal Government has extended the deadline for the linkage of the National Identification Number (NIN) with SIM cards registration records.

4wardwego reports that the new deadline is now January 19, 2021 for those with NIN.

For those without NIN, the deadline has been extended to February 9, 2021.

Earlier, the deadline for the linking of the NIN to SIM cards was fixed for December 30, 2020. Specifically, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had told telecommunications companies to block all unregistered SIM cards in the country in two weeks.

Also, customers of all networks were told to register with their NIN or risk losing their numbers.

Meanwhile, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) on Monday, December 21, shut down its office; in the Alausa area of Lagos State due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

4wardwego also gathered that the Federal Government has approved the use of agents in the National Identity Number (NIN) registration process.

The NIMC reportedly shut down its operations for the day and asked people to return the next day.

Recently, the FG issued a two-week ultimatum for the registration and linking of National Identity Number (NIN) to mobile numbers; otherwise, users risk having their SIM cards blocked.

In the early hours of Monday, an official of the commission who addressed the people present at the office; explained that there was an instruction to shut down the office due to the crowd that was likely to increase the vulnerability of the people to the deadly coronavirus disease.

He further explained that there is a spike in the number of cases; in the state specifically and the country at large; hence, the need to take precaution and adhere strictly to COVID-19 protocols.