The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to complete the mandatory verification and linkage of Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to National Identity Numbers (NINs) by September 14, 2024.
This directive is part of the ongoing effort to ensure full compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage policy.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Reuben Muoka, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, highlighted the significant progress made since the Federal Government’s 2020 policy to link all SIMs to NINs.
According to the statement, over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to their NINs, reflecting an impressive compliance rate of 96%, a substantial increase from 69.7% in January 2024.
“As we approach the final phase of this critical process, the NCC seeks the continued cooperation of all Nigerians to achieve 100% compliance,” the statement read. The commission emphasized the importance of this initiative in enhancing the trust and security of Nigeria’s digital economy.
“The complete linkage of all SIM cards to NINs is essential for enhancing the trust and security of our digital economy,” the statement added.
The NCC underscored the policy’s role in reducing the risk of fraud and cybercrime, strengthening confidence in digital transactions, and supporting broader participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services. These efforts are expected to promote financial inclusion and drive economic growth across the country.
In collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the NCC has uncovered alarming cases of individuals possessing an unusually high number of SIM cards—some exceeding 100,000.
The commission remains committed to working with security agencies and other stakeholders to crack down on the sale of pre-registered SIMs to safeguard national security and ensure the integrity of mobile numbers in Nigeria.
Effective September 15, 2024, the NCC expects that no SIM operating in Nigeria will be without a valid NIN.
The commission urged members of the public who have not yet completed their NIN-SIM linkage, or who have faced issues due to verification mismatches, to visit their service providers promptly to update their details before the deadline.
Alternatively, approved self-service portals are available for this purpose. The NCC also reminded the public that the sale and purchase of pre-registered SIMs are criminal offenses punishable by imprisonment and fines.
Citizens are encouraged to report any such activities to the commission via its toll-free line (622) or through its social media platforms.
As the deadline approaches, the NCC is calling on all Nigerians to ensure compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage policy, emphasizing its critical importance to the security and development of the nation’s digital landscape.