The federal government has extended the date for NIN-SIM linkage from April 6 to May 6, 2021.

Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy said in a statement on Friday, April 2, that the request for the extension was submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari, who authorised it. Pantami also revealed that the current monthly enrolment has risen dramatically to about 2.6 million.

Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde of NCC and Kayode Adegoke of NIMC signed a joint statement that read:

“The meeting took place on Thursday, April 1, 2021 and an approval was given to extend the period of the NIN-SIM linkage to the 6th of May, 2021. The request for the extension was presented to President Muhammadu Buhari and he endorsed it. 

“With each individual having an average of 3 to 4 SIMs, the total number of SIMs tied to NINs would close to the total number of registered SIMs in the country.

“The Chairman of the EFCC addressed the meeting and stated that the NIN-SIM linkage would support the Federal Government in checkmating the activities of fraudsters and cybercriminals.  The Honourable Minister noted the importance of obtaining feedback from all stakeholders in order to ensure that the NIN-SIM linkage process is one that cannot easily be compromised.”