The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a directive requiring all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to complete the verification and linkage of Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to National Identity Numbers (NINs) by September 14, 2024. This deadline marks a critical step in implementing the Federal Government’s 2020 policy aimed at linking every SIM card to a NIN.
On Wednesday, the NCC provided an update on the progress of this policy. As of now, more than 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to NINs. This represents a significant compliance rate of 96 percent, a notable increase from 69.7 percent reported in January 2024. The improvement underscores the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to enhance the security and integrity of Nigeria’s digital communication infrastructure.
According to a statement from Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs at the NCC, the Commission is entering the final phase of the NIN-SIM linkage process. In this crucial period, it emphasizes the importance of continued public cooperation to achieve complete compliance. “The complete linkage of all SIM cards to NINs is essential for enhancing the trust and security of our digital economy,” the statement notes.
The NCC’s policy aims to improve confidence in digital transactions and curb fraudulent activities and cybercrimes. By verifying all mobile users, the policy is expected to reduce the risk of fraud and support greater involvement in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services. This, in turn, is anticipated to promote financial inclusion and spur economic growth across the country.
In its efforts to enforce this policy, the NCC has collaborated with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). Through this collaboration, they have discovered concerning instances of individuals possessing an unusually large number of SIM cards, with some cases involving over 100,000 SIMs.
The NCC remains committed to working with security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to address the issue of pre-registered SIMs. The sale of such SIMs poses a threat to national security and undermines the integrity of the mobile numbering system in Nigeria. As part of its enforcement strategy, the Commission has instructed all MNOs to ensure that all SIMs are linked to valid NINs by the specified deadline.
Effective September 15, 2024, the NCC expects that no SIM card operating in Nigeria will be without a valid NIN. The Commission urges those who have not yet completed their NIN-SIM linkage, or those who have encountered verification issues, to promptly visit their service providers to update their details. For convenience, individuals can also use the approved self-service portals to complete this process.
The NCC has also reiterated that the sale and purchase of pre-registered SIMs are criminal offenses under Nigerian law, punishable by imprisonment and fines. The Commission encourages the public to report any such illegal activities. Complaints and reports can be made through the NCC’s toll-free line (622) or via its social media platforms.
The NCC in closing expressed its gratitude to the public for their cooperation in the ongoing effort to fortify Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. The Commission’s commitment to enhancing digital security and integrity remains steadfast as it works towards achieving complete NIN-SIM linkage compliance by the set deadline.
