The linkage of the National Identity Number (NIN) to Subscriber Identity Modules (SIM) has now been extended by eight weeks, following a new directive from the federal government.
Director, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission, Ikechukwu Adinde, confirmed the development to the press minutes ago, adding that the extension was ordered by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami.
Adinde noted that the new deadline was now April 6, 2021.
Kemi Filani News recalls a set of new National Identity Numbers (NIN) registration rules have just been released for Nigerians for year 2021.
NIMC spokesman, Kayode Adegoke announced that henceforth, Nigerians will need to book ahead before visiting the NIMC centres.
“Effective December 30, 2020, attending to applicants would be based on Booking System. For bookings, applicants are to visit any of the NIMC Offices closest to them during stipulated business hours (9 am – 1 pm).
“Although the policy has been in place since 4th February 2020 applicants are now crowding all the centres. Personal Information would be collected for the sole purpose of scheduling an enrolment appointment.
“Please do not include any personal information other than what is required by the booking register.
“Once admitted into the office, a Number-Issuing queue management system will be in place to ensure orderliness and strict adherence to COVID-19 Protocols.
“As a responsible Commission, we fully understand that safety comes first, as such, only individuals with facemask would be allowed entrance into our premises.
“We urge the general public to cooperate with us as we work assiduously to respond to the new normal”.
The recent Federal Government’s policy which requires mobile network subscribers to update their SIM registration with a valid National Identification Number (NIN) triggered the rush for NIN at the various NIMC Enrolment Centres nationwide.