BREAKING: FG Extends Deadline To Disconnect SIM Cards Without NIN

The Federal Government has extended the deadline for disconnecting telecoms subscribers who are yet to update their SIM cards with a National Identification Number (NIN).

The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy announced the extension after a meeting of its National Task Force on NIN and SIM registration on Monday.

THE WHISTLER recalls that there had been calls for the government to extend its two-week deadline for commencement of disconnection of defaulting subscribers.

The task force extended the deadline for three weeks beginning from 30th December.

The extension was announced in a statement 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.”

“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.”