Reps ask NCC to extend deadline of blocking sim cards without NIN by 10 weeks

The House of Representatives on Wednesday, December 16, asked the National Communications Commission (NCC) to extend the 31st December deadline issued to sim card owners to submit their National Identification Numbers (NIN) to their network providers.

The motion was moved by the Minority Leader of the House, Ndudi Elumelu, on Wednesday, December 16, during a plenary.

The lawmaker revealed that two weeks is too short for 200million Nigerians to conclude the process.

The House applauded the intention of the NCC for security seasons but wants the process extended for 10 weeks.

This comes after the Federal Government announced that it is giving all mobile networks two weeks to block all sim cards without National Identification Numbers (NIN).

The Government noted that a Ministerial Task Force comprising the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, all CEOs, and other stakeholders would monitor compliance of all networks.

It warned that violations of the directives by any network operator would be met with stiff sanctions, including the possibility of withdrawal of operating licenses.