Nigeria extends the deadline for telcos to block SIM cards with no National Id Number (NIN) to Feb 2021. No one believed that the previously planned two weeks would do it. So, it is not a surprise that it is being extended to Feb 2021. Yet, the original model was 6 months. I am sure when we get to Feb 2021, the government will extend it again since this cannot be done in three months.
Good progress generally by NIMC: we need to have this done for Nigeria if we ever hope to unlock the credit economy in the nation.
The full press release.
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The National Task Force on National Identification Number (NIN) and SIM Registration met today, 21st December, 2020. The meeting was chaired by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim (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:
1. Three (3) weeks extension for subscribers with NIN from 30th December, 2020 to 19th January, 2021.
2. Six (6) weeks extension for subscribers without NIN from 30th December, 2020 to 9th February, 2021.
3. 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.
4. The President appreciates Nigerians for their patience and commitment to update their Identities; The Federal Government also thanks all stakeholders for their compliance with the directives.
5. Mr. President has also commended the efforts of the Task Force and urges all stakeholders to take advantage of the extension to link their SIM card with their NIN.
6. USSD and verification charges remain suspended during these extensions.
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Engr. Aliyu Aziz, Director-General, NIMC
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For: Ministerial Task Force
NIN: Options for Nigeria Instead of Blocking Phone Lines in 2 Weeks [Video]
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The people putting out these announcements are neither organised nor thoughtful, so no one believes whatever deadline they announce.
It took them more than seven years to achieve 40 million compliance, and we have over 80 million SIM card owners here, and magically they want to achieve what took them eight years in two months? Average enrolment takes ten to fifteen minutes, depending on number of factors, so what logistics are in place to handle large number of potential registrants?
This is how you become a joke, no tact, no strategy, no sense. Just throw the cats among the pigeons, then close your eyes and wish for a beautiful outcome…