The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced substantial progress in the Federal Government’s 2020 mandate to link all Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to National Identity Numbers (NINs).
So far, over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to a NIN, reflecting a remarkable compliance rate of 96%, up from 69.7% in January 2024.
As the process enters its final phase, the NCC is calling for the continued cooperation of Nigerians to achieve 100% compliance.
Full linkage is crucial for bolstering the trust and security of Nigeria’s digital economy by reducing fraud, enhancing digital transaction confidence, and fostering greater participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services.
In collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the NCC has uncovered instances of individuals possessing an excessive number of SIM cards, with some holding over 100,000.
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The NCC is working closely with security agencies to crack down on the sale of pre-registered SIMs, thereby protecting national security.
All Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have been instructed to complete the mandatory verification and linkage of SIMs to NINs by September 14, 2024. From September 15, 2024, no SIM in Nigeria will be allowed to operate without a valid NIN.
The NCC urges those who have not yet completed their NIN-SIM linkage or are facing verification issues to promptly update their details with service providers or use approved self-service portals.
The Commission also reminds the public that the sale and purchase of pre-registered SIMs are criminal offenses, encouraging citizens to report such activities via the toll-free line (622) or through social media.
The NCC expresses gratitude for the public’s cooperation as efforts continue to strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.