A total of 56.18 million NINs have been collected by the mobile network operators, which is a 8.38 million increase when compared with January 18, 2021 figure of 47.8 million.

This is even as the  Federal Government has extended NIN-SIM Linkage Deadline by 8 Weeks, with a new deadline of April 6, 2021 from the earlier February 4 deadline earlier set as the commencement of the National NIN-SIM Registration Policy.

The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), who stated this during a meeting of the Ministerial Taskforce on NIN-SIM registration which held on the 1st of February, 2021 also said the extension is to give Nigerians and other residents more time to link their SIM with NIN.

Dr Pantami who laud Nigerians said that the extension is to give Nigerians and legal residents more time to integrate their NIN with their SIM.

Also in attendance at the meeting are EVC/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), DG/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), DG/CEO of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON).

Others include the MD/CEOs of MTN, Airtel, 9Mobile, Ntel, Spectranet and SMILE, as well as the COO of Globacom.

The statement said over 1060 registration centres for NIN have been activated and made operational by NIMC across the country, while Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have opened hundreds of centres and are rapidly deploying resources to open thousands of other NIN enrolment centres across states of the country.

The CEOs of the Telcos and the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Organisation of Nigeria commended the Honourable Minister for his stellar leadership and commitment to the rapid development of the sector.

Dr. Pantami reiterated the need for Nigerians and legal residents who are yet to register for the NIN to be diligent and take advantage of the extension to enroll for their NIN and link with their SIMs.

The Honourable minister implores applicants to follow the safety guidelines at all the NIN enrolment centers and ensure compliance with the booking system in place.