By Joy Baba-Yesufu
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced September 14th, 2024 as final deadline to link all Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to National Identity Numbers (NINs).
To ensure full compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage policy, the NCC has further directed all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to complete the mandatory verification and linkage of SIMs to NINs by September 14, 2024.
Director of Public Affairs of the Commission, Reuben Mouka in a statement said this is a significant progress in the Federal Government’s 2020 policy as over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to their NIN, reflecting an impressive compliance rate of 96 per cent, a substantial increase from 69.7 per cent in January 2024.
According to the statement “As we approach the final phase of this critical process, the NCC seeks the continued cooperation of all Nigerians to achieve 100 per cent compliance. The complete linkage of all SIM cards to NINs is essential for enhancing the trust and security of our digital economy. 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.
“This, in turn, promotes financial inclusion and drives economic growth. 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.
“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. Alternatively, the approved self-service portals are available for this purpose.
Mouka further said that the sale and purchase of pre-registered SIMs are criminal offences punishable by imprisonment and fines and urged citizens to report any such activities to the Commission via their toll-free line (622) or through social media platforms.
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