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.
The NCC said that effective September 15, 2024, it expects that no SIM operating in Nigeria will be without a valid NIN.
This was as the Commission warned that the sale and purchase of pre-registered SIMs are criminal offences punishable by imprisonment and fines thus, urged citizens to report any such activities to the Commission via its toll-free line (622) or through its social media platforms.
The NCC said it has recorded significant progress in the Federal Government’s 2020 policy to link all SIMs to NINs, stressing that to date, over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to a NIN, reflecting an impressive compliance rate of 96 per cent, a substantial increase from 69.7 per cent in January 2024.
These were contained in a statement by Mr Reuben Mouka, Director, Public Affairs of the NCC, in which he also said that as the Commission approach the final phase of this critical process, it seeks the continued cooperation of all Nigerians to achieve 100 per cent compliance.
The NCC explained that the complete linkage of all SIM cards to NINs is essential for enhancing the trust and security of nations digital economy, adding that by verifying all mobile users, the policy would strengthen confidence in digital transactions, reduces the risk of fraud and cybercrime, and supports greater participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services.
The statement further said that this, in turn, promotes financial inclusion and drives economic growth, adding that through collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the NCC has uncovered alarming cases where individuals possessed an unusually high number of SIM cards—some exceeding 100,000.
The Commission said it remained committed to working with security agencies and other stakeholders to crack down on the sale of pre-registered SIMs, thereby safeguarding national security and ensuring the integrity of mobile numbers in Nigeria.
The NCC said; “We urge all 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, the approved self-service portals are available for this purpose”.
The Commission thanked members of the public for its continued cooperation as it works to strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
