The deadline issued to telecommunication companies to block sim cards without owners National Identification Number (NIN) has been extended by the Federal Government, Njenje Media News can report.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has last week ordered telecommunication companies to block sim cards not linked to NIN within two weeks. This led to many people trooping in at various NIMC offices across the country to meet the deadline.
In lieu of the outcry over the non-feasibility of the deadline date, the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy this evening has announced the extension of the deadline.
In a statement titled: “Extension of Registration Period and Cancellation and Verification Fees, the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy said;
“The National Task Force on National Identification Number and SIM Registration met today, 21st December 2020.
The meeting was chaired by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami with major stakeholders in the sector including Chairman – NCC, EVC-NCC, DG-NITDA, DG-NIMC, ECTS/ECSM-NCC, Chairman ALTON, CEOs of MTN, Airtel, Ntel, Glo, Smile, and 9Moble in attendance.
Based on the endorsement of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the following resolutions were made:
Three (3) weeks extension for subscribers with NIN from 30th December 2020 to 19th January 2021;
and Six (6) weeks extension for subscribers without NIN from 30th December 2020 to 9th February 2021.
NIMC has provided strategies to enable citizens attend the registration in full compliance with Covid-19 protocols – particularly the use of facemasks which remains mandatory and maintenance of social distancing.”
