DG/CEO, NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote.

Against the background of the just concluded September 14, deadline for the linkage of National Identity Number NIM and the Subscriber Identification Module SIM, the National Identity Management Commission NIMC has said that the NIN enrolment, verification and authentication, modification of data and other services went on seamlessly to meet the needs of Nigeria for the NIN-SIM linkage deadline.

The Commission has also reported that the number of Nigerians registered with the NIN has reached 110 million. This represents a 2.39per cent increase from the 107.34 million recorded at the end of May 2024.

A statement by the head, Corporate Communications of NIMC, Kayode Adegoke reads in part: “The Commission wishes to reiterate that all its over 10, 000 NIN enrolment centres across the country and in the diaspora were open for NIN enrolment. Nigerians and legal residents can visit any of the centres to enroll and be issued with the NIN. This assurance was given in light of the 14th September 2024 deadline for the NIN-SIM linkage.

“NIMC also wishes to inform Nigerians and legal residents that any applicant who wants to modify his or her NIN data can do so through the NIMC Self-Service portal – self-servicemodification.nimc.gov.ng (Terms and conditions apply)

“Furthermore, NIN holders and applicants can make enquiries on NIN enrolment centres, processes and procedures for NIN Data modifications, NIN Verification issues and any other enquiries, via – www.nimc.gov.ng.

“The Commission reaffirms its commitment to Zero tolerance for all forms of extortion and unethical practices and that NIN enrolment is free! Any Issues bothering on extortion of applicants or any form of unwholesome practices can be escalated to nimccustomercare@nimc.gov.ng. Mobile No-07002255646. NIMC reaffirms its commitment to providing excellent and world-class identity management services.”

Recall that the Nigerian Communications Commission NCC had set September 14, 2024 final deadline for all mobile phone subscribers to link their SIM to their NIM or face disconnection from mobile phone services. The NCC had disclosed over 153 million SIMs have currently been successfully linked to a NIN, which reflects an impressive compliance rate of 96 per cent and a substantial increase from 69.7 per cent as at January 2024.

The Commission insists that with effect from September 15, 2024, no SIM operating in Nigeria will be without a valid NIN, arguing that the complete linkage of all SIM cards to NINs is essential for enhancing the trust and security of the country’s digital economy.

It was however gathered that telecommunication phone operators have already commenced the disconnection of 66 million lines, which are yet to be linked to any NIN, which followed the expiration of the September 14 final deadline set by the NCC.