The federal government has set July 26, 2021 as the new deadline for NIN-SIM data verification.
The decision to extend the deadline was made when stakeholders requested it, according to the administration.
It was as well observed that the development came as a result of the country’s rapid growth in the number of enrolling systems.
Nigerians are now connected to a total of 57.3 million people.
The news was made in a joint statement by the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) Director of Public Affairs, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, and the National Identity Management Commission’s (NIMC) Head of Corporate Communications, Mr Kayode Adegoke.
The statement reads: “The Federal Government has approved the extension as part of its effort to make it easier for its citizens and residents to obtain the NIN and it's important to take advantage of the extension.
”There are now a total of 57.3 million unique NIN enrolments, with average of 3 to 4 SIMs per NIN. With the great number of enrolment centres across the country, every citizen and legal resident should be able to obtain their NINs.
”Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, on behalf of the Federal Government, appreciates Nigerians for their patience and compliance with the Federal Government’s directive on the NIN-SIM registration exercise.
“The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof Umar Garba Dambatta, and the Director-General/CEO of that National Identity Management Commission, Engr Aliyu Azeez, urge citizens and legal residents to make sure they use the opportunity to complete the process of enrolment and verification.”