The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the extension for the deadline issued to telecommunication companies to block sim cards without the owner’s National Identification Number (NIN).
Recalled that last week, the Nigerian Communications Commission NCC ordered telecommunications companies to within two weeks block all Sim cards not linked to NIN.
The order led to uncontrollable crowds at NIMC offices across the country amidst the second wave of COVID-19.
However, in a statement released this evening, the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy says the deadline has been extended.
The statement which titled: “Extension of Registration Period and Cancellation of USSD and Verification Fees’ reads
“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 to attend the registration in full compliance with Covid-19 protocols – particularly the use of facemasks which remains mandatory and maintenance of social distancing.”
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has also refused the two weeks order which was earlier issued by the NCC.
In a motion on matters of Public importance in the floor of the house, the House faults the two weeks notice given to the telecommunications company to block sim cards which are not registered with the National Identification Number (NIN)
The house, therefore, extends the date to 10th of February 2021