The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has issued a directive to all Mobile Network Operators, MNOs, to ensure the timely completion of the necessary verification and linkage of Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to National Identity Numbers (NINs) by September 14, 2024.
On Wednesday, the NCC provided an update on the Federal Government’s 2020 policy of connecting all NINs to SIMs. The Commission reported that a significant increase in compliance has been observed, with over 153 million SIMs successfully linked to a NIN.
This reflects a current compliance rate of 96%, which is a substantial improvement from the 69.7% rate recorded in January 2024.
A statement signed by Reuben Muoka, Director, Public Affairs, the Commission emphasized the importance of continued cooperation from all Nigerians as the country enters the final phase of the process, aiming for 100 per cent compliance.
“Linking all SIM cards to NINs is crucial for bolstering the trust and security of our digital economy,” it emphasized.
By implementing a thorough verification process for all mobile users, this policy aims to enhance trust in digital transactions, minimize the chances of fraud and cybercrime, and encourage wider engagement in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services.
This, in turn, fosters financial inclusion and fuels economic growth.
The Commission has made a significant discovery through its collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, and the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC.
It has come across concerning instances where individuals have an exceptionally large number of SIM cards, with some exceeding 100,000.
“The Commission is dedicated to collaborating with security agencies and other stakeholders to effectively combat the illegal sale of pre-registered SIMs. This effort is crucial in protecting national security and maintaining the authenticity of mobile numbers in Nigeria.”
To ensure complete compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage policy, all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have been instructed to finalize the mandatory verification and linkage of SIMs to NINs by September 14, 2024.
Starting from September 15, 2024, it is expected that every SIM operating in Nigeria will have a valid NIN.
We kindly request all individuals who have not yet completed their NIN-SIM linkage, or who have encountered issues due to verification mismatches, to promptly visit their service providers and update their details before the deadline.
Alternatively, there are self-service portals that have been approved for this purpose.
The NCC also emphasized that the sale and purchase of pre-registered SIMs are considered criminal offenses that can result in imprisonment and fines.
“We strongly encourage individuals to report any such activities to the Commission using our toll-free line (622) or by reaching out to us on our social media platforms.”
The Commission expressed gratitude to the general public for their cooperation in enhancing Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
