The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) has once again demonstrated it’s readiness and willingness to understand the plight of Nigerians especially now that there is rush in registering SIM cards in line with the mandate of the Federal Government in ensuring that every Nigerian identity is captured via the ongoing National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), This was coming after a widespread consultation amongst the stakeholders, The Federal Government has approved the extension of the deadline for National Identity Number (NIN)-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) data verification to October 31, 2021.
This decision has been lauded by the industry watchers and stakeholders, describing it timely and apt. This was as a request by stakeholders to accommodate registration in remote areas, foreigners and diplomatic missions especially Nigerians in diaspora. Also, the cases of low enrolments in schools and hospitals will be tacked as shown by enrolment statistics.
Information gathered from the telecom regulator’s website stated that “The NIN-SIM linkage also makes it easier for the security agencies to carry out their statutory duties and the relevant parastatals under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy are supporting them as required. 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, every citizen, legal resident, and Nigerian citizens living in diaspora should be able to obtain their NINs”
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, and the Director-General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Aliyu Azeez, has used this extended period to ask Nigerians and possibly other nationals’ resident in the country to make use of this window and complete the process of enrolment and verification before the October 31 deadline.
Presently, there are now a total of 59.8 million NIN enrolments, with average of 3 to 4 SIMs per NIN. This is in tune with the infrastructure that are on ground to cater for enrollments such as kiosk, independent registration offices, telecom offices and others within and outside the country.
Anthony Nwosu
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