By our Reporter
The Federal Government has said it had extended sim linkage to March 2022.
This was disclosed on Friday that it had issued 71 million National Identification Numbers, even as it extends the deadline for the NIN-Subscriber Identity Module data verification to March 31, 2022.
In a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Ike Adinde, and the Head of Corporate Communications, National Identity Management Commission, Mr Kayode Adegoke.
The statement was titled ‘NIN enrolments exceed 71 million as FG extends NIN-SIM verification to March 31, 2022’.
According to the agencies, the NIMC has issued over 71 million NINs with over 14,000 enrolment centres set up across the country so far.
They said, “Furthermore, the NIMC has also set up enrolment centres in over 31 countries to cater for Nigerians in the Diaspora.
“The unprecedented growth in the National Identity Database to over 71 million unique NINs in such a short period, with about three to four SIMs linked to a NIN, reflects the concerted effort of the Federal Government, the Nigerian populace and legal residents, and this is truly commendable.
“Following the request by stakeholders, including citizens, legal residents and Nigerians in the diaspora, the Federal Government has extended the deadline of the exercise to the 31st of March, 2022.”
The agencies said the extension would enable the Federal Government to consolidate the gains of the process and accelerate the enrolment of Nigerians in key areas like the remote areas, diaspora, schools, hospitals, worship centres, and the registration of legal residents.