The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has mandated all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to finalize the mandatory verification and linkage of Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to National Identity Numbers (NINs) by September 14, 2024.
In an update released on Wednesday, the NCC highlighted the progress of the Federal Government’s 2020 policy aimed at linking NINs with SIMs. According to the Commission, over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to NINs, achieving a compliance rate of 96 percent, up from 69.7 percent in January 2024.
Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs at the NCC, emphasized the importance of completing this process, stating that full linkage is crucial for boosting trust and security in Nigeria’s digital economy. “By ensuring that all mobile users are verified, this policy enhances confidence in digital transactions, mitigates fraud and cybercrime risks, and fosters increased participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services,” Muoka said.
The NCC’s collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has revealed concerning cases where individuals held unusually high numbers of SIM cards, with some exceeding 100,000.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to addressing these issues by working with security agencies and stakeholders to prevent the sale of pre-registered SIMs, thereby protecting national security and maintaining the integrity of mobile numbers in Nigeria.
To ensure full compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage policy, the NCC has directed MNOs to complete the verification and linkage by September 14, 2024. Starting September 15, 2024, all SIMs operating in Nigeria are expected to be linked to a valid NIN.
The NCC urges individuals who have not yet completed their NIN-SIM linkage, or who have experienced verification issues, to visit their service providers or use approved self-service portals to update their details before the deadline.
Additionally, the Commission reminded the public that buying or selling pre-registered SIMs is a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment and fines. Citizens are encouraged to report such activities via the Commission’s toll-free line (622) or through its social media channels.
The NCC thanked the public for their cooperation in strengthening Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
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