Nigerian Government Extends Deadline To Block SIMs Without Identification Number

The Nigerian government has extended the deadline for telecommunications operators in the country to disengage all Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) without National Identification Number (NIN).

The country’s ministry of communication and digital economy Isa Pantami on Monday said in a statement that “subscribers with NIN have a three-week extension from December 30, 2020, to January 19, 2021; while those without NIN now have till February 9, 2021, unlike the initial December 30, 2020 deadline.”

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had given telecommunications companies a two-week ultimatum to block SIM cards not registered with NIN.

“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,” the statement read.

“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.”

By Abel Ejikeme

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