Nigeria, May 4 -- The Nigerian government has moved the deadline for NIN-SIM data verification to June 30, making it the fifth time it would approve an extension of the exercise.

The extension was confirmed in a joint press statement by the spokespersons of the Nigerian Communications Commission and the National Identity Management Commission, Ikechukwu Adinde and Kayode Adegoke, respectively on Tuesday.

The statement said the eight-week extension was announced by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, at a virtual meeting.

Mr Pantami said the government approved the extension to make it easier for its citizens and residents to obtain the National Identity Number (NIN).

The meeting was chaired by Mr Pantami a...