The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to extend the two weeks deadline for linking SIM cards to National Identity Number (NIN) by telecommunication service subscribers.

The House, at the plenary on Wednesday, described the two weeks given to SIM card users by the Nigerian Communications Commission to provide their NIN to service providers as grossly inadequate.

The decision followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by the Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu on Wednesday during plenary.

FG Orders Telcos To Block SIMs Not Registered With Valid NINs From Dec 30

Elumelu in his motion explained that the House agrees with the policy of linking SIM cards to NIN, he explained that the policy is consistent with the position of the House.

He disclosed that the House even made recommendations to the NCC recently regarding the policy.

“As laudable as the policy is, Nigerians have not been properly sensitized. In this yuletide season, it could lead to stampede and exploitation.”

Adopting the motion, the House resolved that the exercise should end on January 28, 2021, as against December 30, 2020.