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NCC fixes September 14 as ‘final deadline’ for NIN-SIM linkage, discovers individuals with over 100,000 SIM cards
The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has fixed September 14 as the “final deadline” for Nigerians to link their SIM cards to their National Identity Number.
The Commission in a statement on Wednesday directed all mobile network operators, MNOs, to complete the verification and linkage of SIMs to NINs by September 14, 2024.
It disclosed that so far over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to a NIN.
The NCC noted that this shows “an impressive compliance rate of 96 percent, a substantial increase from 69.7 percent in January 2024.″
“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,” the commission said.
“Effective September 15, 2024, the Commission expects that no SIM operating in Nigeria will be without a valid NIN.
“As we approach the final phase of this critical process, the NCC seeks the continued cooperation of all Nigerians to achieve 100 percent compliance.
“By verifying all mobile users, this 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.”
The agency revealed that it has uncovered alarming cases where individuals possessed an unusually high number of SIM cards – some exceeding 100,000 through collaboration with the office of the national security adviser, ONSA, and the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC.
The NCC restated its resolve to work in concert 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.
It noted that Nigerians fail to complete their NIN-SIM linkage by visiting their service providers to update their details before the deadline will face issues.
“Alternatively,” it added, “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.
“We encourage citizens to report any such activities to the Commission via our toll-free line (622) or through our social media platforms.”
The NIN-SIM linkage exercise commenced about four years ago, in December 2020, when the Federal Government directed telecommunication companies to bar unregistered SIM cards and SIMs that were not linked to NINs. The deadline has been reviewed a few times, the last being in April this year and later shifted to July 31, 2024, to enable consumers to ensure the verification of their submitted NIN details.
The disconnection of defaulting SIM cards by Telco’s, as directed by the NCC, caused an uproar when the affected Nigerians who were barred from making and receiving calls this compelling the
NCC to again direct the Telcos to immediately reconnect all phone lines that were blocked.
