The Federal Government has approved the extension of the deadline for NIN-SIM data verification to the 31st of October, 2021.
The decision to extend the deadline was made following a request by stakeholders to accommodate registration in hard-to-reach remote areas, foreigners and diplomatic missions, diaspora and address low enrolments in schools and hospitals, as evidenced by enrolment statistics.
According to a joint statement issued by the NIMC and NCC, as at July 24th there were over 5,500 enrolment systems within and outside the country and this would significantly ease the NIN enrolment process and subsequent linkage of NIN to SIM.
The statement says the NIN-SIM linkage also makes it easier for the security agencies to carry out their statutory duties and with support from the relevant parastatals under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.
The statement says there are now a total of 59.8 million unique NIN enrolments, with average of 3 to 4 SIMs per NIN with the great number of enrolment centres within and outside the country, and many more coming up.
Meanwhile, the statement says the Federal Government commends the Kano State government and other States that have made NINs a key requirement for school enrolments and access to other public services.
The Federal Government is also commends the use of NIN in the process of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam which has significantly reduced the challenge of exam malpractice.
The Federal Government in the statement urges citizens and legal residents to ensure they use the opportunity to complete the process of enrolment and verification before new October 31st deadline.
RADIO NIGERIA