NCC issues final deadline for NIN-SIM integration

*The Nigerian Communications Commission seeks the continued cooperation of all Nigerians to achieve 100 percent compliance by September 14, 2024, stating the complete linkage of all Subscriber Identity Module Cards to National Identification Numbers is essential for safeguarding national security and ensuring the integrity of mobile numbers in the country

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is pleased to announce significant progress in the Federal Government’s 2020 policy to link all Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to National Identity Numbers (NINs).

Mr. Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs at NCC, in a statement isued Wednesday, August 28, 2024, said till date, over 153 million SIMs had been successfully linked to a NIN, reflecting an impressive compliance rate of 96 per cent, a substantial increase from 69.7 percent in January 2024.

Muoka stated: “As we approach the final phase of this critical process, the NCC seeks the continued cooperation of all Nigerians to achieve 100 percent compliance.

“The complete linkage of all SIM cards to NINs is essential for enhancing the trust and security of our digital economy.”

The Commission also explained that by verifying all mobile users, the policy strengthens confidence in digital transactions, reduces the risk of fraud and cybercrime, and supports greater participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services.

This, in turn, promotes financial inclusion and drives economic growth, it said.

The telecoms sector regulatory Commission stated 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 also remains 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.

To ensure full compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage policy, the NCC has directed all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to complete the mandatory verification and linkage of SIMs to NINs by September 14, 2024.

“Effective September 15, 2024, the Commission expects that no SIM operating in Nigeria will be without a valid NIN.

“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,” noted the statement.

“Alternatively, the approved self-service portals are available for this purpose.

The NCC also reminds the public that the sale and purchase of pre-registered SIMs are criminal offences punishable by imprisonment and fines.

Muoka added: “We encourage citizens to report any such activities to the Commission via our toll-free line (622) or through our social media platforms.”

The Commission as well commended the general public for continued cooperation as “we work together to strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.”

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