NIN-SIM Linkage Of Phone Numbers Completed – NCC EVC Says
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has completed the linkage of GSM SIM with the National Identification Number (NIM) in line with the federal government’s policy.
This was disclosed on Thursday, October 10, 2024 by the Executive Vice-chairman (EVC), and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida at the Annual Corporate Governance conference in Lagos, who said the Commission recently concluded the implementation of the federal government’s 2020 policy of linking every phone number to a NIN.
Maida, who spoke against the backdrop of the significance of the NIN-SIM linkage initiative, noted challenges faced by Nigerians during the process.
In the words of Maida; “Though, it was a bit painful for Nigerians, I think we also need to appreciate what that does for us. Today, there is no phone number that we cannot associate with a verified NIN. Not just a number, but a number that has been verified”.
The NCC EVC said that even though some people may question the authenticity of the linked identities, he was quick to add that the initiative is an important starting point for accountability.
Maida explained that if any phone number is involved in any fraud or criminal activity, it can easily be identified and located with precision.
He said; “If a phone number is involved in fraud or any crime, I can now authoritatively say, based on the NIN linked to it, this is the person who is using that phone number”.
