In apparent response to criticism, the Federal Government announced Monday the extension ofthe deadline for the provision of National Identification Number by telecommunication service subscribers.
Nigerians had slammed the two-week deadline given for the exercise, especially when it fell within the Yuletide.
Many had pointed up the insensitivity of the government to the halowed Chridtmas ssason, when many Christians travel far and wide to their native homes to see their loved ones and enjoy the festive period with them.
The government in a statement on Monday by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy titled: “Extension of Registration Period and Cancellation of USSD and Verification Fees,” said that the decision was taken after of a meeting the National Tssk Force on NIN and SIM registration.
The statement was jointly signed by the Executive Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, Umar Danbatta; and Director-General, National Identity Management Commission, Aliyu Aziz.
It 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.”
According to the statement, “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.”
The NCC had ordered telecommunications companies to within two weeks suspend phone subscribers who have no NIN.
