By Na’ankwat Dariem in Abuja.
The Federal government has approved extension o the NIN-SIM linkage deadline to March 31, with an urge to citizens to link their National Identification Number (NIN) to their Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) without delay.
This is contained in a statement jointly signed by spokespersons of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde and National Identity Management Commission, Mr Kayode Adegoke in Abuja and made available to The Reporters on Saturday.
The two officers, however, warned phone subscribers who did not make the linkage might lose access to telecommunication services.
“In preparation for the enforcement, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), urged citizens and legal residents to use the next few days to ensure that they complete the linkage.
“To this end, the Minister has further directed that the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) should offer enrolment services round-the-clock for the next few days. Prof Pantami also thanked all those who have completed their NIN-SIM linkage.
“On behalf of the Honourable Minister, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Professor Umar Danbatta, and the Director-General Aliyu Aziz, urged citizens and legal residents to take advantage of the window to complete the process of enrolment and verification within the next few days,” they added.